Compositions

ABSTRACT

Compositions such as filled and coated papers may include microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compositions, such as filled and coatedpapers, comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Inorganic particulate materials, for example an alkaline earth metalcarbonate (e.g. calcium carbonate) or kaolin, are used widely in anumber of applications. These include the production of mineralcontaining compositions which may be used in paper manufacture, papercoating, or polymer composite production. In paper and polymer productssuch fillers are typically added to replace a portion of other moreexpensive components of the paper or polymer product. Fillers may alsobe added with an aim of modifying the physical, mechanical, and/oroptical requirements of paper and polymer products. Clearly, the greaterthe amount of filler that can be included, the greater potential forcost savings. However, the amount of filler added and the associatedcost saving must be balanced against the physical, mechanical andoptical requirements of the final paper or polymer product. Thus, thereis a continuing need for the development of fillers for paper orpolymers which can be used at a high loading level without adverselyeffecting the physical, mechanical and/or optical requirements of paperproducts. There is also a need for the development of methods forpreparing such fillers economically.

The present invention seeks to provide alternative and/or improvedfillers for paper or polymer products which may be incorporated in thepaper or polymer product at relatively high loading levels whilstmaintaining or even improving the physical, mechanical and/or opticalproperties of the paper or polymer product. The present invention alsoseeks to provide an economical method for preparing such fillers. Assuch, the present inventors have surprisingly found that a fillercomprising microfibrillated cellulose and an inorganic particulatematerial can be prepared by economical methods and can be loaded inpaper or polymer products at relatively high levels whilst maintainingor even improving the physical, mechanical and/or optical properties ofthe final paper or polymer product.

Further, the present invention seeks to address the problem of preparingmicrofibrillated cellulose economically on an industrial scale. Currentmethods of microfibrillating cellulosic material require relatively highamounts of energy owing in part to the relatively high viscosity of thestarting material and the microfibrillated product, and a commerciallyviable process for preparing microfibrillated cellulose on an industrialscale has hitherto before proved elusive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect, the present invention is directed to anarticle comprising a paper product comprising a co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition and one or more functional coatings on the paper product.

According to a second aspect, the present invention is direct to a paperproduct comprising a co-processed microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material composition, wherein the paper producthas: (i) a first tensile strength greater than a second tensile strengthof the paper product devoid of the co-processed microfibrillatedcellulose and inorganic particulate material composition; (ii) a firsttear strength greater than a second tear strength of the paper productdevoid of the co-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganicparticulate material composition; and/or iii) a first burst strengthgreater than a second burst strength of the paper product devoid of theco-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition; and/or iv) a first sheet light scatteringcoefficient greater than a second sheet light scattering coefficient ofthe paper product devoid of the co-processed microfibrillated celluloseand inorganic particulate material composition; and/or v) a firstporosity less than a second porosity of the paper product devoid of theco-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition; and/or vi) a first z-direction (internal bond)strength greater than a second z-direction (internal bond) strength ofthe paper product devoid of the co-processed microfibrillated celluloseand inorganic particulate material composition.

According to a third aspect, the present invention is directed to acoated paper product, wherein the coating comprises a co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition, and wherein the coated paper product has: i. a first glossgreater than a second gloss of the coated paper product comprising acoating composition devoid of the co-processed microfibrillatedcellulose and inorganic particulate material composition; and/or ii. afirst stiffness greater than a second stiffness of the coated paperproduct comprising a coating composition devoid of the co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition; and/or iii. a first barrier property which is improvedcompared to a second barrier property of the coated paper productcomprising a coating composition devoid of the co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition.

According to a fourth aspect, the present invention is directed to apolymer composition comprising a co-processed microfibrillated celluloseand inorganic particulate material composition.

According to a fifth aspect, the present invention is directed to apapermaking composition comprising a co-processed microfibrillatedcellulose and inorganic particulate material composition, wherein thepapermaking composition has a first cationic demand lower than a secondcationic demand of the papermaking composition devoid of theco-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition.

According to a sixth aspect, the present invention is directed to apapermaking composition comprising a co-processed microfibrillatedcellulose and inorganic particulate material composition, wherein thepapermaking composition is substantially devoid of retention aids.

According to a seventh aspect, the present invention is directed to apaper product comprising a co-processed microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material composition, wherein the paper producthas a first formation index lower than a second formation index of thepaper product devoid of the co-processed microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material composition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, “co-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganicparticulate material composition” refers to compositions produced by theprocesses for microfibrillating fibrous substrates comprising cellulosein the presence of an inorganic particulate material as describedherein.

Unless otherwise stated, “functional coating” refers to a coating orcoatings applied to the surface of a paper product to modify, enhance,upgrade and/or optimize one or more non-graphical properties of saidpaper product (i.e., properties primarily unrelated to the graphicalproperties of the paper). In embodiments, the functional coating is notone which comprises a co-processed microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material composition. For example, the functionalcoating may be a polymer, a metal, an aqueous composition, a liquidbarrier layer or a printed electronics layer.

Paper Products

In certain embodiments, the paper products comprise a co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition incorporated into the paper pulp (e.g., in the paper base asa filler composition). For example, the paper products may comprise atleast about 0.5 wt. %, at least about 5 wt. %, at least about 10 wt. %,at least about 15 wt. %, at least about 20 wt. %, at least about 25 wt.%, at least about 30 wt. %, or at least about 35 wt. % of a co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition, based on the total weight of the paper product. Generally,the paper products will comprise no more than about 50 wt. %, forexample, no more than about 45 wt. %, or no more than about 40 wt. % ofa co-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition. In a particular embodiment, the paper productcomprises from about 25% to about 35% wt. % of a co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition. The fibre content of the co-processed microfibrillatedcellulose and inorganic particulate material composition may be at leastabout 2 wt. %, at least about 3 wt. %, at least about 4 wt. %, at leastabout 5 wt. %, at least about 6 wt. %, at least about 7 wt. %, at leastabout 8 wt. %, at least about 10 wt. %, at least about 11 wt. %, atleast about 12 wt. %, at least about 13 wt. %, at least about 14 wt. %or at least about 15. wt. %. Generally, the fibre content of theco-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition will be less than about 25 wt. %, for example, lessthan about 20 wt. %.

After co-processing to form the co-processed microfibrillated celluloseand inorganic particulate material composition, additional inorganicparticulate may be added (e.g., by blending or mixing) to reduce thefibre content of the co-processed microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material composition.

In particular embodiments, the paper products comprising a co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition have a lower porosity as compared to the paper productsproduced without (i.e., devoid of) the co-processed microfibrillatedcellulose and inorganic particulate material composition. For instance,the porosity of the paper products comprising a co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition may have a porosity about 10% less porous, about 20% lessporous, about 30% less porous, about 40% less porous, or about 50% lessporous than a porosity of the paper products devoid of the co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition. Such a reduction in porosity may provide improved coatinghold-out for coated paper products comprising a co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material. Such areduction in porosity may enable a reduction in coat weight for coatedpaper products comprising a co-processed microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material without compromising the physical and/ormechanical properties of the coated paper product.

In an embodiment, porosity is determined using a Bendtsen Model 5porosity tester in accordance with SCAN P21, SCAN P60, BS 4420 and TappiUM 535.

In other embodiments, the paper products comprising a co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition have a tensile strength about 2% greater, about 5% greater,about 10% greater, about 15% greater, about 20% greater, or about 25%greater than a tensile strength of the paper products devoid of aco-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition (e.g., the paper product has the same fillerloading).

In further embodiments, the paper products comprising a co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition have a tear strength about 2% greater, about 5% greater,about 10% greater, about 15% greater, about 20% greater, or about 25%greater than a tear strength of the paper products devoid of aco-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition (e.g., the paper product has the same fillerloading). Such low porosity, strong paper products may comprisefunctional papers such as gaskets, grease proof papers, linerboard forplasterboard, flame retardant papers, wall papers, laminates, or otherfunctional paper products.

In an embodiment, tensile strength is determined using a Testometricstensile tester according to SCAN P16.

In further embodiments, the paper products comprising a co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition have a z-direction (internal bond) strength about 2%greater, about 5% greater, about 10% greater, about 15% greater, about20% greater, or about 25% greater than a z-direction (internal bond)strength of the paper products devoid of a co-processed microfibrillatedcellulose and inorganic particulate material composition (e.g., thepaper product has the same filler loading).

In an embodiment, z-direction (internal bond) strength is determinedusing a Scott bond tester according to TAPPI T569.

In certain embodiments, the paper products comprising a co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition may be coated. Particular embodiments of the coated paperproducts comprising a co-processed microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material composition may have an increased glossas compared to the coated paper product devoid of the co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition. For example, the coated paper products comprising aco-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition may have a gloss about 5% greater, about 10%greater, or about 20% greater than the coated paper products devoid ofthe co-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition.

In an embodiment, gloss is determined in accordance with TAPPI method T480 om-05 (Specular gloss of paper and paperboard at 75 degrees).

In other embodiments, the coated paper products comprising aco-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition may have improved print properties such as printgloss, snap, print density, picking speed or percent missing dots.

In other embodiments, the coated paper products comprising aco-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition may have a lower moisture vapour transmission rate(MVTR, tested in accordance with a modified version of TAPPI T448 usingsilica gel as the desiccant and a relative humidity of 50%) as comparedto the coated paper product devoid of the co-processed microfibrillatedcellulose and inorganic particulate material composition. For example,the coated paper products comprising a co-processed microfibrillatedcellulose and inorganic particulate material composition may have a MVTRabout 2% less, about 4% less, about 6% less, about 8% less, about 10%less, about 12% less, about 15% less, or about 20% less than the coatedpaper products devoid of the co-processed microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material composition (e.g., the coated paperproduct has the same filler loading).

In certain embodiments, the paper products comprising a co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition may serve as a base for functional coatings such as coatingsfor liquid packaging, barrier coatings, and coatings for printedelectronics. The paper products comprising a co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition provide a smooth surface for the functional coatings to beapplied on. For example, the paper products may include a barriercoating comprising a polymer, a metal, an aqueous composition (e.g., awater-based barrier layer), or a combination thereof.

The aqueous composition may comprise one or more of the inorganicparticulate materials described herein. For example, the aqueouscomposition may comprise kaolin, such as platy kaolin or hyper-platykaolin. By ‘platy’ kaolin is meant kaolin a kaolin product having a highshape factor. A platy kaolin has a shape factor from about 20 to lessthan about 60. A hyper-platy kaolin has a shape factor from about 60 to100 or even greater than 100. “Shape factor”, as used herein, is ameasure of the ratio of particle diameter to particle thickness for apopulation of particles of varying size and shape as measured using theelectrical conductivity methods, apparatuses, and equations described inU.S. Pat. No. 5,576,617, which is incorporated herein by reference. Asthe technique for determining shape factor is further described in the'617 patent, the electrical conductivity of a composition of an aqueoussuspension of orientated particles under test is measured as thecomposition flows through a vessel. Measurements of the electricalconductivity are taken along one direction of the vessel and alonganother direction of the vessel transverse to the first direction. Usingthe difference between the two conductivity measurements, the shapefactor of the particulate material under test is determined.

In some embodiments, the paper products comprising a co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition provide a low permeability surface for application of thefunctional coatings such that there is little or no penetration of thefunctional coating into the paper product. Thus, thinner, fewer, and/ornon-polymeric functional coatings might be used to achieve a desiredfunction (e.g., barrier function). In certain embodiments, the coatedpapers products comprising a co-processed microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material composition may have improved oilresistance (as measured using an oil based-solution of Sudan Red IV indibutyl phthalate using an IGT printing unit) as compared to the coatedpaper product devoid of the co-processed microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material composition. For example, the coatedpaper products comprising a co-processed microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material composition may have an oil resistancewhich is about 2% greater, about 4% greater, about 6% greater, about 8%greater, or about 10% greater than the coated paper products devoid ofthe co-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition (e.g., the coated paper product has the same fillerloading).

Improved Paper Making and Sheet Properties

In some embodiments, the paper products comprising a co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition allow for improved processes for making such paper products.For instance, by including a co-processed microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material composition in the paper furnish, the wetend processing of the paper base may not require pre-treatment (e.g.,addition of cationic polymers). In addition, as compared to a paperfurnish including microfibrillated cellulose, a paper furnish includinga co-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition has lower or no change in cationic demand, improvedretention, and improved formation. In some embodiments in whichretention is improved by the co-processed microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material composition used in the paper product,use of retention aids may be reduced or eliminated and damage to thepaper products resulting from the retention aids may be avoided.

Cationic demand of a sample of papermaking furnish is indicated by theamount of highly charged cationic polymer required to neutralize itssurface. A streaming current test may be used to determine cationicdemand, based on the amount of cationic titrant (e.g., poly-DADMAC)required to reach a zero signal. Another way to determine the endpointis by evaluating the zeta potential after each incremental addition oftitrant. Another strategy for determining cationic demand is to mix thesample with a known excess of cationic titrant, filter to remove thesolids, and then back-titrate to a color endpoint (colloidal titration).In embodiments, the cationic demand of a papermaking furnish comprisingthe co-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition is comparable to or less than the cationic demandof a papermaking furnish devoid of the co-processed microfibrillatedcellulose and inorganic particulate material composition (e.g., thepaper furnish has the same filler loading).

In an embodiment, cationic demand (also known as ‘anionic charge’) ismeasured using a Mutek PCD 03 Titrator in accordance with the methoddescribed below in the ‘Examples’.

Retention is a general term for the process of keeping fine particlesand fibre fines within the web of paper as it is being formed.First-pass retention gives a practical indication of the efficiency bywhich these fine materials are retained in the web of paper as it isbeing formed. In certain embodiments, the first-pass retention of apaper furnish comprising the co-processed microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material composition is greater, for example, atleast about 2% greater, about 5% greater, or about 10% greater than apaper furnish devoid of the co-processed microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material composition (e.g., the paper furnish hasthe same filler loading). In an embodiment, first-pass retention isdetermined on the basis of the solids measurement in the headbox (HD)and in the white water (WW) tray and is calculated according to thefollowing formula:

Retention<[(HB_(solids)−WW_(solids))/HB_(solids)]×100

Ash retention (as determined by incineration) during paper formation maybe improved in paper products formed from a paper furnish comprising theco-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition compared to a paper furnish devoid of theco-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition (e.g., the paper furnish has the same fillerloading). In embodiments, as retention during paper formation formedfrom a paper furnish comprising the co-processed microfibrillatedcellulose and inorganic particulate material composition is at leastabout 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, orat least about 25% greater than a paper furnish devoid of theco-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition (e.g., the paper furnish has the same fillerloading).

In an embodiment, ash retention is determined following the sameprinciples as first-pass retention, but based on the weight of the ashcomponent in the headbox (HB) and in the white water (WW) tray, and iscalculated according to the following formula:

Ash retention=[(HB_(ash)−WW_(ash))/HB_(ash)]×100

Paper formation is the resulting non-uniform distribution of fibers,fiber fragments, mineral fillers, and chemical additives on the paperforming web. Formation may be characterized by the small-scale basisweight variation in the plane of the paper sheet. Another way ofdescribing formation is the variability of the basis weight of paper.The uneven structure of paper may be seen with the naked eye at lengthscales ranging from fractions of a millimeter to a few centimeters. Incertain embodiments, the formation index (PTS) of a paper furnishcomprising the co-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganicparticulate material composition is at least about 5% less, about 10%less, about 15% less, about 20%, or about 25% less than a paper furnishdevoid of the co-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganicparticulate material composition (e.g., the paper furnish has the samefiller loading).

In an embodiment, formation index (PTS) is determined using the DOMASsoftware developed by PTS in accordance with the measurement methoddescribed in section 10-1 of their handbook, DOMAS 2.4 User Guide'.

In other embodiments, a paper board product comprising a co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition may have improved foldability and/or crack resistance.

Paper products comprising a co-processed microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material composition also may have a combinationof improved sheet properties. For example, the paper product sheetscomprising a co-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganicparticulate material composition have improved strength properties andimproved formation. Without being bound by a particular theory, such acombination is surprising because it is believed that additionalrefining or fibrillation undesirably damages paper formation due toreduced stability that leads to a propensity to flocculate, but mayincrease paper sheet strength.

In other embodiments, the paper product sheets comprising a co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition have improved tensile strength, tear strength andz-direction strength (internal bond). This is surprising since normallyin pulp refining, as tensile strength increases, tear strength and/orz-directional strength will decrease. For example, paper product sheetscomprising a co-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganicparticulate material composition may have a tensile strength which is atleast about 2% greater, at least about 3% greater, at least about 4%greater, at least about 5% greater, at least about 6% greater, at leastabout 7% greater, at least about 8% greater, at least about 9%, at leastabout 10% greater, at least about 12% greater, at least about 15%greater, or at least about 20% greater than paper product sheets devoidof the co-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition (e.g., the paper product sheet has the same fillerloading). In other embodiments, paper product sheets comprising aco-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition may have a tear strength which is at least about 5%greater, at least about 10% greater, at least about 15% greater, atleast about 20% greater, or at least about 25% greater than paperproduct sheets devoid of the co-processed microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material composition (e.g., the paper productsheet has the same filler loading). In other embodiments the paperproduct sheets comprising a co-processed microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material composition have a combination ofimproved tensile strength and improved tear strength. For example, paperproduct sheets comprising a co-processed microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material composition may have a tensile strengthwhich is from about 2% to about 10% greater than paper product sheetsdevoid of the co-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganicparticulate material composition, and a tear strength from about 5% toabout 25% greater than paper product sheets devoid of the co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition.

In an embodiment, tear strength is determined in accordance with TAPPImethod T 414 om-04 (Internal tearing resistance of paper (Elmendorf-typemethod).

In other embodiments, the paper product sheets comprising a co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition have improved tensile strength and improved scatter (i.e.,optical) properties, e.g., sheet light scattering and sheet lightabsorption. Again, this is surprising since normally, as tensilestrength increases, sheet light scatter decreases. In certainembodiments the paper product sheets comprising a co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition may have a sheet light scattering coefficient (in m²kg⁻¹,measured using filters 8 and 10) which is at least about 2% greater, atleast about 3% greater, at least about 4% greater, at least about 5%greater, at least about 6% greater, at least about 7% greater, at leastabout 8% greater, at least about 9% greater, or at least about 10%greater than paper product sheets devoid of the co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition (e.g., the paper product sheet has the same filler loading).In other embodiments the paper product sheets comprising a co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition have a combination of improved tensile strength and/orimproved tear strength, and improved light scattering. For example,paper product sheets comprising a co-processed microfibrillatedcellulose and inorganic particulate material composition may have atensile strength which is from about 2% to about 10% greater than paperproduct sheets devoid of the co-processed microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material composition, and/or a tear strength fromabout 5% to about 25% greater than paper product sheets devoid of theco-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition, and a sheet light scattering coefficient (inm²kg⁻¹, measured using filters 8 and 10) which is from about 2% to about10% greater, for example, from about 2% to about 5% greater than paperproduct sheets devoid of the co-processed microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material composition (e.g., the paper productsheet has the same filler loading).

In an embodiment, sheet light scattering and absorption coefficients aremeasured using reflectance data from an Elrepho instrument: Rinf=reflectance of stack of 10 sheets, Ro=reflectance of 1 sheet over ablack cup, and these values and the substance (gm⁻²) of the sheet areinputted into the Kubelka-Munk equations described in “Paper Optics” byNils Pauler, (published by Lorentzen and Wettre, ISBN 91-971-765-6-7),p. 29-36.

Bursting strength is widely used as a measure of resistance to rupturein many kinds of paper. In certain embodiments, the paper product sheetscomprising a co-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganicparticulate material composition may have a burst strength which is atleast about 5% greater, at least about 10% greater, at least about 15%greater, at least about 20% greater, or at least about 25% greater thanpaper product sheets devoid of the co-processed microfibrillatedcellulose and inorganic particulate material composition (e.g., thepaper product sheet has the same filler loading).

In an embodiment, Burst Strength is determined using a Messemer Büchnelburst tester according to SCAN P 24.

In certain embodiments, such improved paper product sheet properties maybe achieved in paper product sheets comprising a co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition including microfibrillated cellulose having a d₅₀ rangingfrom about 25 μm to about 250 μm, more preferably from about 30 μm toabout 150 μm, even more preferably from about 50 μm to about 140 μm,still more preferably from about 70 μm to about 130 μm, and mostpreferably from about 50 μm to about 120 μm. In particular embodiments,the microfibrillated cellulose of the co-processed microfibrillatedcellulose and inorganic particulate material composition has a highsteepness (as defined below) directed towards a desired d₅₀. In oneembodiment, a steep particle size distribution of the microfibrillatedcellulose may be produced by microfibrillation of the fibrous substratecomprising cellulose in the presence of the inorganic particulatematerial in a batch process in which the resulting co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition having the desired microfibrillated cellulose steepeness maybe washed out of the micrifibrillation apparatus with water or any otherliquid.

In certain embodiments, the microfibrillated cellulose of theco-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition has a monomodal particle size distribution. Inother embodiments, the microfibrillated cellulose of the co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition has a multimodal particle size distribution produced by, forexample, less or partial microfibrillation of the fibrous substratecomprising cellulose in the presence of the inorganic particulatematerial.

Coatings

In certain embodiments, the coatings may comprise a co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition. The coatings comprising a co-processed microfibrillatedcellulose and inorganic particulate material composition may also beused as functional papers such as those used for liquid packaging,barrier coatings, or printed electronics applications. For example, thefunctional coating may be a barrier layer, e.g., a liquid barrier layer,or the functional coating may be a printed electronics layer.

The coating comprising a co-processed microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material composition may be applied to a paperproduct to produce a paper product or paper coating having greaterstrength properties (e.g., tensile strength, tear strength andstiffness), greater gloss, and/or improved print properties (e.g., printgloss, snap, print density, or percent missing dots). For example, thepaper product coated with a coating comprising a co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition may have a tensile strength about 5% greater, about 10%greater, or about 20% greater than a tensile strength of the paperproduct coated with a coating devoid of a co-processed microfibrillatedcellulose and inorganic particulate material composition. In certainembodiments, the paper product coated with a coating comprising aco-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition may have a tear strength about 5% greater, about10% greater, or about 20% greater than a tear strength of the paperproduct coated with a coating devoid of a co-processed microfibrillatedcellulose and inorganic particulate material composition. In certainembodiments, the paper product coated with a coating comprising aco-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition may have a stiffness about 5% greater, about 10%greater, or about 20% greater than a stiffness of the paper productcoated with a coating devoid of a co-processed microfibrillatedcellulose and inorganic particulate material composition. In someembodiments, the paper product coated with a coating comprising aco-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition may have a gloss about 5% greater, about 10%greater, or about 20% greater than a gloss of the paper product coatedwith a coating devoid of a co-processed microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material composition. In some embodiments, thepaper product coated with a coating comprising a co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition may have a barrier property which is improved compared tobarrier property of the paper product coated with a coating devoid of aco-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition. The barrier property may be selected from the rateat which one or more of oxygen, moisture, grease and aromas pass (i.e.,transmitted) pass through the coated paper product. The coatingcomprising a co-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganicparticulate material composition may therefore slow down or ameliorate(i.e., decrease) the rate at which one or more of oxygen, moisture,grease and aromas pass through the coated paper product.

In embodiments, tensile strength, tear strength and gloss are determinedin accordance with the methods described above.

In embodiments, stiffness (i.e., elastic modulus) is determined inaccordance with the stiffness measurement method described in J. C.Husband, L. F. Gate, N. Norouzi, and D. Blair, “The Influence of kaolinShape Factor on the Stiffness of Coated Papers”, TAPPI Journal, June2009, p. 12-17 (see in particular the section entitled ‘ExperimentalMethods’); and J. C. Husband, J. S. Preston, L. F. Gate, A. Storer, andP. Creaton, “The Influence of Pigment Particle Shape on the In-Planetensile Strength Properties of Kaolin-based Coating Layers”, TAPPIJournal, December 2006, p. 3-8 (see in particular the section entitled‘Experimental Methods’).

In an embodiment, the inorganic particulate material is kaolin.Advantageously, the kaolin is a platy kaolin or a hyper-play kaolin.

Dispersible Compositions

In certain embodiments, the co-processed microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material composition may be in the form of a dryor substantially dry, re-dispersable composition, as produced by theprocesses described herein or by any other drying process known in theart (e.g., freeze-drying). The dried co-processed microfibrillatedcellulose and inorganic particulate material composition may be easilydispersed in aqueous or non-aqueous medium (e.g., polymers).

Thus, in accordance with the third aspect of the present invention,there is provided a polymer composition comprising the co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition described herein.

The polymer composition may comprise at least about 0.5 wt. %, at leastabout 5 wt. %, at least about 10 wt. %, at least about 15 wt. %, atleast about 20 wt. %, at least about 25 wt. %, at least about 30 wt. %,or at least about 35 wt. % of a co-processed microfibrillated celluloseand inorganic particulate material composition, based on the totalweight of the polymer composition. Generally, the polymer will compriseno more than about 50 wt. %, for example, no more than about 45 wt. %,or no more than about 40 wt. % of a co-processed microfibrillatedcellulose and inorganic particulate material composition. In aparticular embodiment, the polymer composition comprises from about 25%to about 35% wt. % of a co-processed microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material composition. The fibre content of theco-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition may be at least about 2 wt. %, at least about 3 wt.%, at least about 4 wt. %, at least about 5 wt. %, at least about 6 wt.%, at least about 7 wt. %, at least about 8 wt. %, at least about 10 wt.%, at least about 11 wt. %, at least about 12 wt. %, at least about 13wt. %, at least about 14 wt. % or at least about 15. wt. %. Generally,the fibre content of the co-processed microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material composition will be less than about 25wt. %, for example, less than about 20 wt. %.

The polymer may comprise any natural or synthetic polymer or mixturethereof. The polymer may, for example, be thermoplastic or thermoset.The term “polymer” used herein includes homopolymers and/or copolymers,as well as crosslinked and/or entangled polymers.

Polymers, including homopolymers and/or copolymers, comprised in thepolymer composition of the present invention may be prepared from one ormore of the following monomers: acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, methylmethacrylate, and alkyl acrylates having 1-18 carbon atoms in the alkylgroup, styrene, substituted styrenes, divinyl benzene, diallylphthalate, butadiene, vinyl acetate, acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile,maleic anhydride, esters of maleic acid or fumaric acid,tetrahydrophthalic acid or anhydride, itaconic acid or anhydride, andesters of itaconic acid, with or without a cross-linking dimer, trimer,or tetramer, crotonic acid, neopentyl glycol, propylene glycol,butanediols, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol,glycerol, cyclohexanedimethanol, 1,6 hexanediol, trimethyolpropane,pentaerythritol, phthalic anhydride, isophthalic acid, terephthalicacid, hexahydrophthalic anyhydride, adipic acid or succinic acids,azelaic acid and dimer fatty acids, toluene diisocyanate and diphenylmethane diisocyanate. Copolymers comprising methyl methacrylate andstyrene monomers are preferred.

The polymer may be selected from one or more of polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA), polyacetal, polycarbonate, polyacrylonitrile, polybutadiene,polystyrene, polyacrylate, polypropylene, epoxy polymers, unsaturatedpolyesters, polyurethanes, polycyclopentadienes and copolymers thereof.Suitable polymers also include liquid rubbers, such as silicones.

Preparation of the polymer compositions of the present invention can beaccomplished by any suitable mixing method known in the art, as will bereadily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Such methods include blending of the individual components or precursorsthereof and subsequent processing in a conventional manner. Certain ofthe ingredients can, if desired, be pre-mixed before addition to thecompounding mixture.

In the case of thermoplastic polymer compositions, such processing maycomprise melt mixing, either directly in an extruder for making anarticle from the composition, or pre-mixing in a separate mixingapparatus. Dry blends of the individual components can alternatively bedirectly injection moulded without pre-melt mixing.

The polymer composition can be prepared by mixing of the componentsthereof intimately together. The said co-processed microfibrillatedcellulose and inorganic particulate material composition may then besuitably blended with the polymer and any desired additional components,before processing as described above.

For the preparation of cross-linked or cured polymer compositions, theblend of uncured components or their precursors, and, if desired, theco-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition and any desired non-perlite component(s), will becontacted under suitable conditions of heat, pressure and/or light withan effective amount of any suitable cross-linking agent or curingsystem, according to the nature and amount of the polymer used, in orderto cross-link and/or cure the polymer.

For the preparation of polymer compositions where the co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition and any desired other component(s) are present in situ atthe time of polymerisation, the blend of monomer(s) and any desiredother polymer precursors, co-processed microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material composition and any other component(s)will be contacted under suitable conditions of heat, pressure and/orlight, according to the nature and amount of the monomer(s) used, inorder to polymerise the monomer(s) with the perlite and any othercomponent(s) in situ.

The Fibrous Substrate Comprising Cellulose

The fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may be derived from anysuitable source, such as wood, grasses (e.g., sugarcane, bamboo) or rags(e.g., textile waste, cotton, hemp or flax). The fibrous substratecomprising cellulose may be in the form of a pulp (i.e., a suspension ofcellulose fibres in water), which may be prepared by any suitablechemical or mechanical treatment, or combination thereof. For example,the pulp may be a chemical pulp, or a chemithermomechanical pulp, or amechanical pulp, or a recycled pulp, or a papermill broke, or apapermill waste stream, or waste from a papermill, or a combinationthereof. The cellulose pulp may be beaten (for example in a Valleybeater) and/or otherwise refined (for example, processing in a conicalor plate refiner) to any predetermined freeness, reported in the art asCanadian standard freeness (CSF) in cm³. CSF means a value for thefreeness or drainage rate of pulp measured by the rate that a suspensionof pulp may be drained. For example, the cellulose pulp may have aCanadian standard freeness of about 10 cm³ or greater prior to beingmicrofibrillated. The cellulose pulp may have a CSF of about 700 cm³ orless, for example, equal to or less than about 650 cm³, or equal to orless than about 600 cm³, or equal to or less than about 550 cm³, orequal to or less than about 500 cm³, or equal to or less than about 450cm³, or equal to or less than about 400 cm³, or equal to or less thanabout 350 cm³, or equal to or less than about 300 cm³, or equal to orless than about 250 cm³, or equal to or less than about 200 cm³, orequal to or less than about 150 cm³, or equal to or less than about 100cm³, or equal to or less than about 50 cm³. The cellulose pulp may thenbe dewatered by methods well known in the art, for example, the pulp maybe filtered through a screen in order to obtain a wet sheet comprisingat least about 10% solids, for example at least about 15% solids, or atleast about 20% solids, or at least about 30% solids, or at least about40% solids. The pulp may be utilised in an unrefined state, that is tosay without being beaten or dewatered, or otherwise refined.

The fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may be added to a grindingvessel or homogenizer in a dry state. For example, a dry paper broke maybe added directly to the grinder vessel. The aqueous environment in thegrinder vessel will then facilitate the formation of a pulp.

The Inorganic Particulate Material

The inorganic particulate material may, for example, be an alkalineearth metal carbonate or sulphate, such as calcium carbonate, magnesiumcarbonate, dolomite, gypsum, a hydrous kandite clay such as kaolin,halloysite or ball clay, an anhydrous (calcined) kandite clay such asmetakaolin or fully calcined kaolin, talc, mica, huntite,hydromagnesite, ground glass, perlite or diatomaceous earth, ormagnesium hydroxide, or aluminium trihydrate, or combinations thereof.

A preferred inorganic particulate material for use in the methodaccording to the first aspect of the present invention is calciumcarbonate. Hereafter, the invention may tend to be discussed in terms ofcalcium carbonate, and in relation to aspects where the calciumcarbonate is processed and/or treated. The invention should not beconstrued as being limited to such embodiments.

The particulate calcium carbonate used in the present invention may beobtained from a natural source by grinding. Ground calcium carbonate(GCC) is typically obtained by crushing and then grinding a mineralsource such as chalk, marble or limestone, which may be followed by aparticle size classification step, in order to obtain a product havingthe desired degree of fineness. Other techniques such as bleaching,flotation and magnetic separation may also be used to obtain a producthaving the desired degree of fineness and/or colour. The particulatesolid material may be ground autogenously, i.e. by attrition between theparticles of the solid material themselves, or, alternatively, in thepresence of a particulate grinding medium comprising particles of adifferent material from the calcium carbonate to be ground. Theseprocesses may be carried out with or without the presence of adispersant and biocides, which may be added at any stage of the process.

Precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) may be used as the source ofparticulate calcium carbonate in the present invention, and may beproduced by any of the known methods available in the art. TAPPIMonograph Series No 30, “Paper Coating Pigments”, pages 34-35 describesthe three main commercial processes for preparing precipitated calciumcarbonate which is suitable for use in preparing products for use in thepaper industry, but may also be used in the practice of the presentinvention. In all three processes, a calcium carbonate feed material,such as limestone, is first calcined to produce quicklime, and thequicklime is then slaked in water to yield calcium hydroxide or milk oflime. In the first process, the milk of lime is directly carbonated withcarbon dioxide gas. This process has the advantage that no by-product isformed, and it is relatively easy to control the properties and purityof the calcium carbonate product. In the second process the milk of limeis contacted with soda ash to produce, by double decomposition, aprecipitate of calcium carbonate and a solution of sodium hydroxide. Thesodium hydroxide may be substantially completely separated from thecalcium carbonate if this process is used commercially. In the thirdmain commercial process the milk of lime is first contacted withammonium chloride to give a calcium chloride solution and ammonia gas.The calcium chloride solution is then contacted with soda ash to produceby double decomposition precipitated calcium carbonate and a solution ofsodium chloride. The crystals can be produced in a variety of differentshapes and sizes, depending on the specific reaction process that isused. The three main forms of PCC crystals are aragonite, rhombohedraland scalenohedral (e.g., calcite), all of which are suitable for use inthe present invention, including mixtures thereof.

Wet grinding of calcium carbonate involves the formation of an aqueoussuspension of the calcium carbonate which may then be ground, optionallyin the presence of a suitable dispersing agent. Reference may be madeto, for example, EP-A-614948 (the contents of which are incorporated byreference in their entirety) for more information regarding the wetgrinding of calcium carbonate.

In some circumstances, minor additions of other minerals may beincluded, for example, one or more of kaolin, calcined kaolin,wollastonite, bauxite, talc or mica, could also be present.

When the inorganic particulate material of the present invention isobtained from naturally occurring sources, it may be that some mineralimpurities will contaminate the ground material. For example, naturallyoccurring calcium carbonate can be present in association with otherminerals. Thus, in some embodiments, the inorganic particulate materialincludes an amount of impurities. In general, however, the inorganicparticulate material used in the invention will contain less than about5% by weight, preferably less than about 1% by weight, of other mineralimpurities.

The inorganic particulate material used during the microfibrillatingstep of the method of the present invention will preferably have aparticle size distribution in which at least about 10% by weight of theparticles have an e.s.d of less than 2 μm, for example, at least about20% by weight, or at least about 30% by weight, or at least about 40% byweight, or at least about 50% by weight, or at least about 60% byweight, or at least about 70% by weight, or at least about 80% byweight, or at least about 90% by weight, or at least about 95% byweight, or about 100% of the particles have an e.s.d of less than 2 μm.

Unless otherwise stated, particle size properties referred to herein forthe inorganic particulate materials are as measured in a well knownmanner by sedimentation of the particulate material in a fully dispersedcondition in an aqueous medium using a Sedigraph 5100 machine assupplied by Micromeritics Instruments Corporation, Norcross, Ga., USA(telephone: +1 770 662 3620; web-site: www.micromeritics.com), referredto herein as a “Micromeritics Sedigraph 5100 unit”. Such a machineprovides measurements and a plot of the cumulative percentage by weightof particles having a size, referred to in the art as the ‘equivalentspherical diameter’ (e.s.d), less than given e.s.d values. The meanparticle size d₅₀ is the value determined in this way of the particlee.s.d at which there are 50% by weight of the particles which have anequivalent spherical diameter less than that d₅₀ value.

Alternatively, where stated, the particle size properties referred toherein for the inorganic particulate materials are as measured by thewell known conventional method employed in the art of laser lightscattering, using a Malvern Mastersizer S machine as supplied by MalvernInstruments Ltd (or by other methods which give essentially the sameresult). In the laser light scattering technique, the size of particlesin powders, suspensions and emulsions may be measured using thediffraction of a laser beam, based on an application of Mie theory. Sucha machine provides measurements and a plot of the cumulative percentageby volume of particles having a size, referred to in the art as the‘equivalent spherical diameter’ (e.s.d), less than given e.s.d values.The mean particle size d₅₀ is the value determined in this way of theparticle e.s.d at which there are 50% by volume of the particles whichhave an equivalent spherical diameter less than that d₅₀ value.

In another embodiment, the inorganic particulate material used duringthe microfibrillating step of the method of the present invention willpreferably have a particle size distribution, as measured using aMalvern Mastersizer S machine, in which at least about 10% by volume ofthe particles have an e.s.d of less than 2 μm, for example, at leastabout 20% by volume, or at least about 30% by volume, or at least about40% by volume, or at least about 50% by volume, or at least about 60% byvolume, or at least about 70% by volume, or at least about 80% byvolume, or at least about 90% by volume, or at least about 95% byvolume, or about 100% of the particles by volume have an e.s.d of lessthan 2 μm.

Unless otherwise stated, particle size properties of themicrofibrillated cellulose materials are as are as measured by the wellknown conventional method employed in the art of laser light scattering,using a Malvern Mastersizer S machine as supplied by Malvern InstrumentsLtd (or by other methods which give essentially the same result).

Details of the procedure used to characterise the particle sizedistributions of mixtures of inorganic particle material andmicrofibrillated cellulose using a Malvern Mastersizer S machine areprovided below.

Another preferred inorganic particulate material for use in the methodaccording to the first aspect of the present invention is kaolin clay.Hereafter, this section of the specification may tend to be discussed interms of kaolin, and in relation to aspects where the kaolin isprocessed and/or treated. The invention should not be construed as beinglimited to such embodiments. Thus, in some embodiments, kaolin is usedin an unprocessed form.

Kaolin clay used in this invention may be a processed material derivedfrom a natural source, namely raw natural kaolin clay mineral. Theprocessed kaolin clay may typically contain at least about 50% by weightkaolinite. For example, most commercially processed kaolin clays containgreater than about 75% by weight kaolinite and may contain greater thanabout 90%, in some cases greater than about 95% by weight of kaolinite.

Kaolin clay used in the present invention may be prepared from the rawnatural kaolin clay mineral by one or more other processes which arewell known to those skilled in the art, for example by known refining orbeneficiation steps.

For example, the clay mineral may be bleached with a reductive bleachingagent, such as sodium hydrosulfite. If sodium hydrosulfite is used, thebleached clay mineral may optionally be dewatered, and optionally washedand again optionally dewatered, after the sodium hydrosulfite bleachingstep.

The clay mineral may be treated to remove impurities, e.g. byflocculation, flotation, or magnetic separation techniques well known inthe art. Alternatively the clay mineral used in the first aspect of theinvention may be untreated in the form of a solid or as an aqueoussuspension.

The process for preparing the particulate kaolin clay used in thepresent invention may also include one or more comminution steps, e.g.,grinding or milling. Light comminution of a coarse kaolin is used togive suitable delamination thereof. The comminution may be carried outby use of beads or granules of a plastic (e.g. nylon), sand or ceramicgrinding or milling aid. The coarse kaolin may be refined to removeimpurities and improve physical properties using well known procedures.The kaolin clay may be treated by a known particle size classificationprocedure, e.g., screening and centrifuging (or both), to obtainparticles having a desired d₅₀ value or particle size distribution.

The Microfibrillatinq Process

In accordance with the first aspect of the invention, there is provideda method of preparing a composition for use as a filler in paper or as apaper coating, comprising a step of microfibrillating a fibroussubstrate comprising cellulose in the presence of an inorganicparticulate material. According to particular embodiments of the presentmethods, the microfibrillating step is conducted in the presence of aninorganic particulate material which acts as a microfibrillating agent.

By microfibrillating is meant a process in which microfibrils ofcellulose are liberated or partially liberated as individual species oras smaller aggregates as compared to the fibres of thepre-microfibrillated pulp. Typical cellulose fibres (i.e.,pre-microfibrillated pulp) suitable for use in papermaking includelarger aggregates of hundreds or thousands of individual cellulosemicrofibrils. By microfibrillating the cellulose, particularcharacteristics and properties, including but not limited to thecharacteristic and properties described herein, are imparted to themicrofibrillated cellulose and the compositions including themicrofibrillated cellulose.

The step of microfibrillating may be carried out in any suitableapparatus, including but not limited to a refiner. In one embodiment,the microfibrillating step is conducted in a grinding vessel underwet-grinding conditions. In another embodiment, the microfibrillatingstep is carried out in a homogenizer. Each of these embodiments isdescribed in greater detail below.

Wet-Grinding

The grinding is suitably performed in a conventional manner. Thegrinding may be an attrition grinding process in the presence of aparticulate grinding medium, or may be an autogenous grinding process,i.e., one in the absence of a grinding medium. By grinding medium ismeant a medium other than the inorganic particulate material which isco-ground with the fibrous substrate comprising cellulose.

The particulate grinding medium, when present, may be of a natural or asynthetic material. The grinding medium may, for example, compriseballs, beads or pellets of any hard mineral, ceramic or metallicmaterial. Such materials may include, for example, alumina, zirconia,zirconium silicate, aluminium silicate or the mullite-rich materialwhich is produced by calcining kaolinitic clay at a temperature in therange of from about 1300° C. to about 1800° C. For example, in someembodiments a Carbolite® grinding media is preferred. Alternatively,particles of natural sand of a suitable particle size may be used.

Generally, the type of and particle size of grinding medium to beselected for use in the invention may be dependent on the properties,such as, e.g., the particle size of, and the chemical composition of,the feed suspension of material to be ground. Preferably, theparticulate grinding medium comprises particles having an averagediameter in the range of from about 0.1 mm to about 6.0 mm and, morepreferably, in the range of from about 0.2 mm to about 4.0 mm. Thegrinding medium (or media) may be present in an amount up to about 70%by volume of the charge. The grinding media may be present in amount ofat least about 10% by volume of the charge, for example, at least about20% by volume of the charge, or at least about 30% by volume of thecharge, or at least about 40% by volume of the charge, or at least about50% by volume of the charge, or at least about 60% by volume of thecharge.

The grinding may be carried out in one or more stages. For example, acoarse inorganic particulate material may be ground in the grindervessel to a predetermined particle size distribution, after which thefibrous material comprising cellulose is added and the grindingcontinued until the desired level of microfibrillation has beenobtained. The coarse inorganic particulate material used in accordancewith the first aspect of this invention initially may have a particlesize distribution in which less than about 20% by weight of theparticles have an e.s.d of less than 2 μm, for example, less than about15% by weight, or less than about 10% by weight of the particles have ane.s.d. of less than 2 μm. In another embodiment, the coarse inorganicparticulate material used in accordance with the first aspect of thisinvention initially may have a particle size distribution, as measuredusing a Malvern Mastersizer S machine, in which less than about 20% byvolume of the particles have an e.s.d of less than 2 μm, for example,less than about 15% by volume, or less than about 10% by volume of theparticles have an e.s.d. of less than 2 μm

The coarse inorganic particulate material may be wet or dry ground inthe absence or presence of a grinding medium. In the case of a wetgrinding stage, the coarse inorganic particulate material is preferablyground in an aqueous suspension in the presence of a grinding medium. Insuch a suspension, the coarse inorganic particulate material maypreferably be present in an amount of from about 5% to about 85% byweight of the suspension; more preferably in an amount of from about 20%to about 80% by weight of the suspension. Most preferably, the coarseinorganic particulate material may be present in an amount of about 30%to about 75% by weight of the suspension. As described above, the coarseinorganic particulate material may be ground to a particle sizedistribution such that at least about 10% by weight of the particleshave an e.s.d of less than 2 μm, for example, at least about 20% byweight, or at least about 30% by weight, or at least about 40% byweight, or at least about 50% by weight, or at least about 60% byweight, or at least about 70% by weight, or at least about 80% byweight, or at least about 90% by weight, or at least about 95% byweight, or about 100% by weight of the particles, have an e.s.d of lessthan 2 μm, after which the cellulose pulp is added and the twocomponents are co-ground to microfibrillate the fibres of the cellulosepulp. In another embodiment, the coarse inorganic particulate materialis ground to a particle size distribution, as measured using a MalvernMastersizer S machine such that at least about 10% by volume of theparticles have an e.s.d of less than 2 μm, for example, at least about20% by volume, or at least about 30% by volume or at least about 40% byvolume, or at least about 50% by volume, or at least about 60% byvolume, or at least about 70% by volume, or at least about 80% byvolume, or at least about 90% by volume, or at least about 95% byvolume, or about 100% by volume of the particles, have an e.s.d of lessthan 2 μm, after which the cellulose pulp is added and the twocomponents are co-ground to microfibrillate the fibres of the cellulosepulp

In one embodiment, the mean particle size (d₅₀) of the inorganicparticulate material is reduced during the co-grinding process. Forexample, the d₅₀ of the inorganic particulate material may be reduced byat least about 10% (as measured by a Malvern Mastersizer S machine), forexample, the d₅₀ of the inorganic particulate material may be reduced byat least about 20%, or reduced by at least about 30%, or reduced by atleast about 50%, or reduced by at least about 50%, or reduced by atleast about 60%, or reduced by at least about 70%, or reduced by atleast about 80%, or reduced by at least about 90%. For example, aninorganic particulate material having a d₅₀ of 2.5 μm prior toco-grinding and a d₅₀ of 1.5 μm post co-grinding will have been subjectto a 40% reduction in particle size. In certain embodiments, the meanparticle size of the inorganic particulate material is not significantlyreduced during the co-grinding process. By ‘not significantly reduced’is meant that the d₅₀ of the inorganic particulate material is reducedby less than about 10%, for example, the d₅₀ of the inorganicparticulate material is reduced by less than about 5%.

The fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may be microfibrillated inthe presence of an inorganic particulate material to obtainmicrofibrillated cellulose having a d₅₀ ranging from about 5 to μm about500 μm, as measured by laser light scattering. The fibrous substratecomprising cellulose may be microfibrillated in the presence of aninorganic particulate material to obtain microfibrillated cellulosehaving a d₅₀ of equal to or less than about 400 μm, for example equal toor less than about 300 μm, or equal to or less than about 200 μm, orequal to or less than about 150 μm, or equal to or less than about 125μm, or equal to or less than about 100 μm, or equal to or less thanabout 90 μm, or equal to or less than about 80 μm, or equal to or lessthan about 70 μm, or equal to or less than about 60 μm, or equal to orless than about 50 μm, or equal to or less than about 40 μm, or equal toor less than about 30 μm, or equal to or less than about 20 μm, or equalto or less than about 10 μm.

The fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may be microfibrillated inthe presence of an inorganic particulate material to obtainmicrofibrillated cellulose having a modal fibre particle size rangingfrom about 0.1-500 μm and a modal inorganic particulate materialparticle size ranging from 0.25-20 μm. The fibrous substrate comprisingcellulose may be microfibrillated in the presence of an inorganicparticulate material to obtain microfibrillated cellulose having a modalfibre particle size of at least about 0.5 μm, for example at least about10 μm, or at least about 50 μm, or at least about 100 μm, or at leastabout 150 μm, or at least about 200 μm, or at least about 300 μm, or atleast about 400 μm.

The fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may be microfibrillated inthe presence of an inorganic particulate material to obtainmicrofibrillated cellulose having a fibre steepness equal to or greaterthan about 10, as measured by Malvern. Fibre steepness (i.e., thesteepness of the particle size distribution of the fibres) is determinedby the following formula:

Steepness=100×(d ₃₀ /d ₇₀)

The microfibrillated cellulose may have a fibre steepness equal to orless than about 100. The microfibrillated cellulose may have a fibresteepness equal to or less than about 75, or equal to or less than about50, or equal to or less than about 40, or equal to or less than about30. The microfibrillated cellulose may have a fibre steepness from about20 to about 50, or from about 25 to about 40, or from about 25 to about35, or from about 30 to about 40.

The grinding is suitably performed in a grinding vessel, such as atumbling mill (e.g., rod, ball and autogenous), a stirred mill (e.g.,SAM or IsaMill), a tower mill, a stirred media detritor (SMD), or agrinding vessel comprising rotating parallel grinding plates betweenwhich the feed to be ground is fed.

In one embodiment, the grinding vessel is a tower mill. The tower millmay comprise a quiescent zone above one or more grinding zones. Aquiescent zone is a region located towards the top of the interior oftower mill in which minimal or no grinding takes place and comprisesmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material. Thequiescent zone is a region in which particles of the grinding mediumsediment down into the one or more grinding zones of the tower mill.

The tower mill may comprise a classifier above one or more grindingzones. In an embodiment, the classifier is top mounted and locatedadjacent to a quiescent zone. The classifier may be a hydrocyclone.

The tower mill may comprise a screen above one or more grind zones. Inan embodiment, a screen is located adjacent to a quiescent zone and/or aclassifier. The screen may be sized to separate grinding media from theproduct aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material and to enhance grinding mediasedimentation.

In an embodiment, the grinding is performed under plug flow conditions.Under plug flow conditions the flow through the tower is such that thereis limited mixing of the grinding materials through the tower. Thismeans that at different points along the length of the tower mill theviscosity of the aqueous environment will vary as the fineness of themicrofibrillated cellulose increases. Thus, in effect, the grindingregion in the tower mill can be considered to comprise one or moregrinding zones which have a characteristic viscosity. A skilled personin the art will understand that there is no sharp boundary betweenadjacent grinding zones with respect to viscosity.

In an embodiment, water is added at the top of the mill proximate to thequiescent zone or the classifier or the screen above one or moregrinding zones to reduce the viscosity of the aqueous suspensioncomprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialat those zones in the mill. By diluting the product microfibrillatedcellulose and inorganic particulate material at this point in the millit has been found that the prevention of grinding media carry over tothe quiescent zone and/or the classifier and/or the screen is improved.Further, the limited mixing through the tower allows for processing athigher solids lower down the tower and dilute at the top with limitedbackflow of the dilution water back down the tower into the one or moregrinding zones. Any suitable amount of water which is effective todilute the viscosity of the product aqueous suspension comprisingmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material may beadded. The water may be added continuously during the grinding process,or at regular intervals, or at irregular intervals.

In another embodiment, water may be added to one or more grinding zonesvia one or more water injection points positioned along the length ofthe tower mill, or each water injection point being located at aposition which corresponds to the one or more grinding zones.Advantageously, the ability to add water at various points along thetower allows for further adjustment of the grinding conditions at any orall positions along the mill.

The tower mill may comprise a vertical impeller shaft equipped with aseries of impeller rotor disks throughout its length. The action of theimpeller rotor disks creates a series of discrete grinding zonesthroughout the mill.

In another embodiment, the grinding is performed in a screened grinder,preferably a stirred media detritor. The screened grinder may compriseone or more screen(s) having a nominal aperture size of at least about250 μm, for example, the one or more screens may have a nominal aperturesize of at least about 300 μm, or at least about 350 μm, or at leastabout 400 μm, or at least about 450 μm, or at least about 500 μm, or atleast about 550 μm, or at least about 600 μm, or at least about 650 μm,or at least about 700 μm, or at least about 750 μm, or at least about800 μm, or at least about 850 μm, or at or least about 900 μm, or atleast about 1000 μm.

The screen sizes noted immediately above are applicable to the towermill embodiments described above.

As noted above, the grinding may be performed in the presence of agrinding medium. In an embodiment, the grinding medium is a coarse mediacomprising particles having an average diameter in the range of fromabout 1 mm to about 6 mm, for example about 2 mm, or about 3 mm, orabout 4 mm, or about 5 mm.

In another embodiment, the grinding media has a specific gravity of atleast about 2.5, for example, at least about 3, or at least about 3.5,or at least about 4.0, or at least about 4.5, or least about 5.0, or atleast about 5.5, or at least about 6.0.

In another embodiment, the grinding media comprises particles having anaverage diameter in the range of from about 1 mm to about 6 mm and has aspecific gravity of at least about 2.5.

In another embodiment, the grinding media comprises particles having anaverage diameter of about 3 mm and specific gravity of about 2.7.

As described above, the grinding medium (or media) may present in anamount up to about 70% by volume of the charge. The grinding media maybe present in amount of at least about 10% by volume of the charge, forexample, at least about 20% by volume of the charge, or at least about30% by volume of the charge, or at least about 40% by volume of thecharge, or at least about 50% by volume of the charge, or at least about60% by volume of the charge.

In one embodiment, the grinding medium is present in amount of about 50%by volume of the charge.

By ‘charge’ is meant the composition which is the feed fed to thegrinder vessel. The charge includes of water, grinding media, fibroussubstrate comprising cellulose and inorganic particulate material, andany other optional additives as described herein.

The use of a relatively coarse and/or dense media has the advantage ofimproved (i.e., faster) sediment rates and reduced media carry overthrough the quiescent zone and/or classifier and/or screen(s).

A further advantage in using relatively coarse grinding media is thatthe mean particle size (d₅₀) of the inorganic particulate material maynot be significantly reduced during the grinding process such that theenergy imparted to the grinding system is primarily expended inmicrofibrillating the fibrous substrate comprising cellulose.

A further advantage in using relatively coarse screens is that arelatively coarse or dense grinding media can be used in themicrofibrillating step. In addition, the use of relatively coarsescreens (i.e., having a nominal aperture of least about 250 um) allows arelatively high solids product to be processed and removed from thegrinder, which allows a relatively high solids feed (comprising fibroussubstrate comprising cellulose and inorganic particulate material) to beprocessed in an economically viable process. As discussed below, it hasbeen found that a feed having a high initial solids content is desirablein terms of energy sufficiency. Further, it has also been found thatproduct produced (at a given energy) at lower solids has a coarserparticle size distribution.

As discussed in the ‘Background’ section above, the present inventionseeks to address the problem of preparing microfibrillated celluloseeconomically on an industrial scale.

Thus, in accordance with one embodiment, the fibrous substratecomprising cellulose and inorganic particulate material are present inthe aqueous environment at an initial solids content of at least about 4wt %, of which at least about 2% by weight is fibrous substratecomprising cellulose. The initial solids content may be at least about10 wt %, or at least about 20 wt %, or at least about 30 wt %, or atleast about at least 40 wt %. At least about 5% by weight of the initialsolids content may be fibrous substrate comprising cellulose, forexample, at least about 10%, or at least about 15%, or at least about20% by weight of the initial solids content may be fibrous substratecomprising cellulose.

In another embodiment, the grinding is performed in a cascade ofgrinding vessels, one or more of which may comprise one or more grindingzones. For example, the fibrous substrate comprising cellulose and theinorganic particulate material may be ground in a cascade of two or moregrinding vessels, for example, a cascade of three or more grindingvessels, or a cascade of four or more grinding vessels, or a cascade offive or more grinding vessels, or a cascade of six or more grindingvessels, or a cascade of seven or more grinding vessels, or a cascade ofeight or more grinding vessels, or a cascade of nine or more grindingvessels in series, or a cascade comprising up to ten grinding vessels.The cascade of grinding vessels may be operatively linked in series orparallel or a combination of series and parallel. The output from and/orthe input to one or more of the grinding vessels in the cascade may besubjected to one or more screening steps and/or one or moreclassification steps.

The total energy expended in a microfibrillation process may beapportioned equally across each of the grinding vessels in the cascade.Alternatively, the energy input may vary between some or all of thegrinding vessels in the cascade.

A person skilled in the art will understand that the energy expended pervessel may vary between vessels in the cascade depending on the amountof fibrous substrate being microfibrillated in each vessel, andoptionally the speed of grind in each vessel, the duration of grind ineach vessel, the type of grinding media in each vessel and the type andamount of inorganic particulate material. The grinding conditions may bevaried in each vessel in the cascade in order to control the particlesize distribution of both the microfibrillated cellulose and theinorganic particulate material. For example, the grinding media size maybe varied between successive vessels in the cascade in order to reducegrinding of the inorganic particulate material and to target grinding ofthe fibrous substrate comprising cellulose.

In an embodiment the grinding is performed in a closed circuit. Inanother embodiment, the grinding is performed in an open circuit. Thegrinding may be performed in batch mode. The grinding may be performedin a re-circulating batch mode.

As described above, the grinding circuit may include a pre-grinding stepin which coarse inorganic particulate ground in a grinder vessel to apredetermined particle size distribution, after which fibrous materialcomprising cellulose is combined with the pre-ground inorganicparticulate material and the grinding continued in the same or differentgrinding vessel until the desired level of microfibrillation has beenobtained.

As the suspension of material to be ground may be of a relatively highviscosity, a suitable dispersing agent may preferably be added to thesuspension prior to grinding. The dispersing agent may be, for example,a water soluble condensed phosphate, polysilicic acid or a salt thereof,or a polyelectrolyte, for example a water soluble salt of a poly(acrylicacid) or of a poly(methacrylic acid) having a number average molecularweight not greater than 80,000. The amount of the dispersing agent usedwould generally be in the range of from 0.1 to 2.0% by weight, based onthe weight of the dry inorganic particulate solid material. Thesuspension may suitably be ground at a temperature in the range of from4° C. to 100° C.

Other additives which may be included during the microfibrillation stepinclude: carboxymethyl cellulose, amphoteric carboxymethyl cellulose,oxidising agents, 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO), TEMPOderivatives, and wood degrading enzymes.

The pH of the suspension of material to be ground may be about 7 orgreater than about 7 (i.e., basic), for example, the pH of thesuspension may be about 8, or about 9, or about 10, or about 11. The pHof the suspension of material to be ground may be less than about 7(i.e., acidic), for example, the pH of the suspension may be about 6, orabout 5, or about 4, or about 3. The pH of the suspension of material tobe ground may be adjusted by addition of an appropriate amount of acidor base. Suitable bases included alkali metal hydroxides, such as, forexample NaOH. Other suitable bases are sodium carbonate and ammonia.Suitable acids included inorganic acids, such as hydrochloric andsulphuric acid, or organic acids. An exemplary acid is orthophosphoricacid.

The amount of inorganic particulate material and cellulose pulp in themixture to be co-ground may vary in a ratio of from about 99.5:0.5 toabout 0.5:99.5, based on the dry weight of inorganic particulatematerial and the amount of dry fibre in the pulp, for example, a ratioof from about 99.5:0.5 to about 50:50 based on the dry weight ofinorganic particulate material and the amount of dry fibre in the pulp.For example, the ratio of the amount of inorganic particulate materialand dry fibre may be from about 99.5:0.5 to about 70:30. In anembodiment, the ratio of inorganic particulate material to dry fibre isabout 80:20, or for example, about 85:15, or about 90:10, or about 91:9,or about 92:8, or about 93:7, or about 94:6, or about 95:5, or about96:4, or about 97:3, or about 98:2, or about 99:1. In a preferredembodiment, the weight ratio of inorganic particulate material to dryfibre is about 95:5. In another preferred embodiment, the weight ratioof inorganic particulate material to dry fibre is about 90:10. Inanother preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of inorganic particulatematerial to dry fibre is about 85:15. In another preferred embodiment,the weight ratio of inorganic particulate material to dry fibre is about80:20.

The total energy input in a typical grinding process to obtain thedesired aqueous suspension composition may typically be between about100 and 1500 kWht⁻¹ based on the total dry weight of the inorganicparticulate filler. The total energy input may be less than about 1000kWht⁻¹, for example, less than about 800 kWht⁻¹, less than about 600kWht⁻¹, less than about 500 kWht⁻¹, less than about 400 kWht⁻¹, lessthan about 300 kWht⁻¹, or less than about 200 kWht⁻¹. As such, thepresent inventors have surprisingly found that a cellulose pulp can bemicrofibrillated at relatively low energy input when it is co-ground inthe presence of an inorganic particulate material. As will be apparent,the total energy input per tonne of dry fibre in the fibrous substratecomprising cellulose will be less than about 10,000 kWht⁻¹, for example,less than about 9000 kWht⁻¹, or less than about 8000 kWht⁻¹, or lessthan about 7000 kWht⁻¹, or less than about 6000 kWht⁻¹, or less thanabout 5000 kWht⁻¹, for example less than about 4000 kWht-1, less thanabout 3000 kWht⁻¹, less than about 2000 kWht⁻¹, less than about 1500kWht⁻¹, less than about 1200 kWht⁻¹, less than about 1000 kWht⁻¹, orless than about 800 kWht⁻¹. The total energy input varies depending onthe amount of dry fibre in the fibrous substrate being microfibrillated,and optionally the speed of grind and the duration of grind.

Homogenizing

Microfibrillation of the fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may beeffected under wet conditions in the presence of the inorganicparticulate material by a method in which the mixture of cellulose pulpand inorganic particulate material is pressurized (for example, to apressure of about 500 bar) and then passed to a zone of lower pressure.The rate at which the mixture is passed to the low pressure zone issufficiently high and the pressure of the low pressure zone issufficiently low as to cause microfibrillation of the cellulose fibres.For example, the pressure drop may be effected by forcing the mixturethrough an annular opening that has a narrow entrance orifice with amuch larger exit orifice. The drastic decrease in pressure as themixture accelerates into a larger volume (i.e., a lower pressure zone)induces cavitation which causes microfibrillation. In an embodiment,microfibrillation of the fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may beeffected in a homogenizer under wet conditions in the presence of theinorganic particulate material. In the homogenizer, the cellulosepulp-inorganic particulate material mixture is pressurized (for example,to a pressure of about 500 bar), and forced through a small nozzle ororifice. The mixture may be pressurized to a pressure of from about 100to about 1000 bar, for example to a pressure of equal to or greater than300 bar, or equal to or greater than about 500, or equal to or greaterthan about 200 bar, or equal to or greater than about 700 bar. Thehomogenization subjects the fibres to high shear forces such that as thepressurized cellulose pulp exits the nozzle or orifice, cavitationcauses microfibrillation of the cellulose fibres in the pulp. Additionalwater may be added to improve flowability of the suspension through thehomogenizer. The resulting aqueous suspension comprisingmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material may be fedback into the inlet of the homogenizer for multiple passes through thehomogenizer. In a preferred embodiment, the inorganic particulatematerial is a naturally platy mineral, such as kaolin. As such,homogenization not only facilitates microfibrillation of the cellulosepulp, but also facilitates delamination of the platy particulatematerial.

A platy particulate material, such as kaolin, is understood to have ashape factor of at least about 10, for example, at least about 15, or atleast about 20, or at least about 30, or at least about 40, or at leastabout 50, or at least about 60, or at least about 70, or at least about80, or at least about 90, or at least about 100. Shape factor, as usedherein, is a measure of the ratio of particle diameter to particlethickness for a population of particles of varying size and shape asmeasured using the electrical conductivity methods, apparatuses, andequations described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,576,617, which is incorporatedherein by reference.

A suspension of a platy inorganic particulate material, such as kaolin,may be treated in the homogenizer to a predetermined particle sizedistribution in the absence of the fibrous substrate comprisingcellulose, after which the fibrous material comprising cellulose isadded to the aqueous slurry of inorganic particulate material and thecombined suspension is processed in the homogenizer as described above.The homogenization process is continued, including one or more passesthrough the homogenizer, until the desired level of microfibrillationhas been obtained. Similarly, the platy inorganic particulate materialmay be treated in a grinder to a predetermined particle sizedistribution and then combined with the fibrous material comprisingcellulose followed by processing in the homogenizer.

An exemplary homogenizer is a Manton Gaulin (APV) homogenizer.

After the microfibrillation step has been carried out, the aqueoussuspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganicparticulate material may be screened to remove fibre above a certainsize and to remove any grinding medium. For example, the suspension canbe subjected to screening using a sieve having a selected nominalaperture size in order to remove fibres which do not pass through thesieve. Nominal aperture size means the nominal central separation ofopposite sides of a square aperture or the nominal diameter of a roundaperture. The sieve may be a BSS sieve (in accordance with BS 1796)having a nominal aperture size of 150 μm, for example, a nominalaperture size 125 μm, or 106 μm, or 90 μm, or 74 μm, or 63 μm, or 53 μm,45 μm, or 38 μm. In one embodiment, the aqueous suspension is screenedusing a BSS sieve having a nominal aperture of 125 μm. The aqueoussuspension may then be optionally dewatered.

The Aqueous Suspension

The aqueous suspensions of this invention produced in accordance withthe methods described above are suitable for use in a method of makingpaper or coating paper.

As such, the present invention is directed to an aqueous suspensioncomprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of microfibrillatedcellulose and an inorganic particulate material and other optionaladditives. The aqueous suspension is suitable for use in a method ofmaking paper or coating paper. The other optional additives includedispersant, biocide, suspending aids, salt(s) and other additives, forexample, starch or carboxy methyl cellulose or polymers, which mayfacilitate the interaction of mineral particles and fibres during orafter grinding.

The inorganic particulate material may have a particle size distributionsuch that at least about 10% by weight, for example at least about 20%by weight, for example at least about 30% by weight, for example atleast about 40% by weight, for example at least about 50% by weight, forexample at least about 60% by weight, for example at least about 70% byweight, for example at least about 80% by weight, for example at leastabout 90% by weight, for example at least about 95% by weight, or forexample about 100% of the particles have an e.s.d of less than 2 μm.

In another embodiment, the inorganic particulate material may have aparticle size distribution, as measured by a Malvern Mastersizer Smachine, such that at least about 10% by volume, for example at leastabout 20% by volume, for example at least about 30% by volume, forexample at least about 40% by volume, for example at least about 50% byvolume, for example at least about 60% by volume, for example at leastabout 70% by volume, for example at least about 80% by volume, forexample at least about 90% by volume, for example at least about 95% byvolume, or for example about 100% by volume of the particles have ane.s.d of less than 2 μm.

The amount of inorganic particulate material and cellulose pulp in themixture to be co-ground may vary in a ratio of from about 99.5:0.5 toabout 0.5:99.5, based on the dry weight of inorganic particulatematerial and the amount of dry fibre in the pulp, for example, a ratioof from about 99.5:0.5 to about 50:50 based on the dry weight ofinorganic particulate material and the amount of dry fibre in the pulp.For example, the ratio of the amount of inorganic particulate materialand dry fibre may be from about 99.5:0.5 to about 70:30. In anembodiment, the ratio of inorganic particulate material to dry fibre isabout 80:20, or for example, about 85:15, or about 90:10, or about 91:9,or about 92:8, or about 93:7, or about 94:6, or about 95:5, or about96:4, or about 97:3, or about 98:2, or about 99:1. In a preferredembodiment, the weight ratio of inorganic particulate material to dryfibre is about 95:5. In another preferred embodiment, the weight ratioof inorganic particulate material to dry fibre is about 90:10. Inanother preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of inorganic particulatematerial to dry fibre is about 85:15. In another preferred embodiment,the weight ratio of inorganic particulate material to dry fibre is about80:20.

In an embodiment, the composition does not include fibres too large topass through a BSS sieve (in accordance with BS 1796) having a nominalaperture size of 150 μm, for example, a nominal aperture size of 125 μm,106 μm, or 90 μm, or 74 μm, or 63 μm, or 53 μm, 45 μm, or 38 μm. In oneembodiment, the aqueous suspension is screened using a BSS sieve havinga nominal aperture of 125 μm.

It will be understood therefore that amount (i.e., % by weight) ofmicrofibrillated cellulose in the aqueous suspension after grinding orhomogenizing may be less than the amount of dry fibre in the pulp if theground or homogenized suspension is treated to remove fibres above aselected size. Thus, the relative amounts of pulp and inorganicparticulate material fed to the grinder or homogenizer can be adjusteddepending on the amount of microfibrillated cellulose that is requiredin the aqueous suspension after fibres above a selected size areremoved.

In an embodiment, the inorganic particulate material is an alkalineearth metal carbonate, for example, calcium carbonate. The inorganicparticulate material may be ground calcium carbonate (GCC) orprecipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), or a mixture of GCC and PCC. Inanother embodiment, the inorganic particulate material is a naturallyplaty mineral, for example, kaolin. The inorganic particulate materialmay be a mixture of kaolin and calcium carbonate, for example, a mixtureof kaolin and GCC, or a mixture of kaolin and PCC, or a mixture ofkaolin, GCC and PCC.

In another embodiment, the aqueous suspension is treated to remove atleast a portion or substantially all of the water to form a partiallydried or essentially completely dried product. For example, at leastabout 10% by volume of water in the aqueous suspension may be removedfrom the aqueous suspension, for example, at least about 20% by volume,or at least about 30% by volume, or least about 40% by volume, or atleast about 50% by volume, or at least about 60% by volume, or at leastabout 70% by volume or at least about 80% by volume or at least about90% by volume, or at least about 100% by volume of water in the aqueoussuspension may be removed. Any suitable technique can be used to removewater from the aqueous suspension including, for example, by gravity orvacuum-assisted drainage, with or without pressing, or by evaporation,or by filtration, or by a combination of these techniques. The partiallydried or essentially completely dried product will comprisemicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material and anyother optional additives that may have been added to the aqueoussuspension prior to drying. The partially dried or essentiallycompletely dried product may be stored or packaged for sale. Thepartially dried or essentially completely dried product may beoptionally re-hydrated and incorporated in papermaking compositions andother paper products, as described herein.

Paper Products and Processes for Preparing Same

The aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material can be incorporated in papermakingcompositions, which in turn can be used to prepare paper products. Theterm paper product, as used in connection with the present invention,should be understood to mean all forms of paper, including board suchas, for example, white-lined board and linerboard, cardboard,paperboard, coated board, and the like. There are numerous types ofpaper, coated or uncoated, which may be made according to the presentinvention, including paper suitable for books, magazines, newspapers andthe like, and office papers. The paper may be calendered or supercalendered as appropriate; for example super calendered magazine paperfor rotogravure and offset printing may be made according to the presentmethods. Paper suitable for light weight coating (LWC), medium weightcoating (MWC) or machine finished pigmentisation (MFP) may also be madeaccording to the present methods. Coated paper and board having barrierproperties suitable for food packaging and the like may also be madeaccording to the present methods.

In a typical papermaking process, a cellulose-containing pulp isprepared by any suitable chemical or mechanical treatment, orcombination thereof, which are well known in the art. The pulp may bederived from any suitable source such as wood, grasses (e.g., sugarcane,bamboo) or rags (e.g., textile waste, cotton, hemp or flax). The pulpmay be bleached in accordance with processes which are well known tothose skilled in the art and those processes suitable for use in thepresent invention will be readily evident. The bleached cellulose pulpmay be beaten, refined, or both, to a predetermined freeness (reportedin the art as Canadian standard freeness (CSF) in cm³). A suitable paperstock is then prepared from the bleached and beaten pulp.

The papermaking composition of the present invention typicallycomprises, in addition to the aqueous suspension of microfibrillatedcellulose and inorganic particulate material, paper stock and otherconventional additives known in the art. The papermaking composition ofthe present invention may comprise up to about 50% by weight inorganicparticulate material derived from the aqueous suspension comprisingmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material based onthe total dry contents of the papermaking composition. For example, thepapermaking composition may comprise at least about 2% by weight, or atleast about 5% by weight, or at least about 10% by weight, or at leastabout 15% by weight, or at least about 20% by weight, or at least about25% by weight, or at least about 30% by weight, or at least about 35% byweight, or at least about 40% by weight, or at least about 45% byweight, or at least about 50% by weight, or at least about 60% byweight, or at least about 70% by weight, or at least about 80% by weightof inorganic particulate material derived from the aqueous suspensioncomprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialbased on the total dry contents of the papermaking composition. Themicrofibrillated cellulose material may have a fibre steepness ofgreater than about 10, for examples, from about 20 to about 50, or fromabout 25 to about 40, or from about 25 to 35, or from about 30 to about40. The papermaking composition may also contain a non-ionic, cationicor an anionic retention aid or microparticle retention system in anamount in the range from about 0.1 to 2% by weight, based on the dryweight of the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated celluloseand inorganic particulate material. It may also contain a sizing agentwhich may be, for example, a long chain alkylketene dimer, a waxemulsion or a succinic acid derivative. The composition may also containdye and/or an optical brightening agent. The composition may alsocomprise dry and wet strength aids such as, for example, starch orepichlorhydrin copolymers.

In accordance with the eighth aspect described above, the presentinvention is directed to a process for making a paper productcomprising: (i) obtaining or preparing a fibrous substrate comprisingcellulose in the form of a pulp suitable for making a paper product;(ii) preparing a papermaking composition from the pulp in step (i), theaqueous suspension of this invention comprising microfibrillatedcellulose and inorganic particulate material, and other optionaladditives (such as, for example, a retention aid, and other additivessuch as those described above); and (iii) forming a paper product fromsaid papermaking composition. As noted above, the step of forming a pulpmay take place in the grinder vessel or homogenizer by addition of thefibrous substrate comprising cellulose in a dry state, for example, inthe form of a dry paper broke or waste, directly to the grinder vessel.The aqueous environment in the grinder vessel or homogenizer will thenfacilitate the formation of a pulp.

In one embodiment, an additional filler component (i.e., a fillercomponent other than the inorganic particulate material which isco-ground with the fibrous substrate comprising cellulose) can be addedto the papermaking composition prepared in step (ii). Exemplary fillercomponents are PCC, GCC, kaolin, or mixtures thereof. An exemplary PCCis scalenohedral PCC. In an embodiment, the weight ratio of theinorganic particulate material to the additional filler component in thepapermaking composition is from about 1:1 to about 1:30, for example,from about 1:1 to about 1:20, for example, from about 1:1 to about 1:15,for example from about 1:1 to about 1:10, for example from about 1:1 toabout 1:7, for example, from about 1:3 to about 1:6, or about 1:1, orabout 1:2, or about 1:3, or about 1:4, or about 1:5. Paper products madefrom such papermaking compositions may exhibit greater strength comparedto paper products comprising only inorganic particulate material, suchas for example PCC, as filler. Paper products made from such papermakingcompositions may exhibit greater strength compared to a paper product inwhich inorganic particulate material and a fibrous substrate comprisingcellulose are prepared (e.g., ground) separately and are admixed to forma paper making composition. Equally, paper products prepared from apapermaking composition according to the present invention may exhibit astrength which is comparable to paper products comprising less inorganicparticulate material. In other words, paper products can be preparedfrom a paper making composition according to the present at higherfiller loadings without loss of strength.

The steps in the formation of a final paper product from a papermakingcomposition are conventional and well know in the art and generallycomprise the formation of paper sheets having a targeted basis weight,depending on the type of paper being made.

Additional economic benefits can be achieved through the methods of thepresent invention in that the cellulose substrate for making the aqueoussuspension can be derived from the same cellulose pulp formed for makingthe papermaking composition and the final paper product. As such, and inaccordance with the ninth aspect described above, the present inventionis directed to a an integrated process for making a paper productcomprising: (i) obtaining or preparing a fibrous substrate comprisingcellulose in the form of a pulp suitable for making a paper product;(ii) microfibrillating a portion of said fibrous substrate comprisingcellulose in accordance with the first aspect of the invention toprepare an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material; (iii) preparing a papermakingcomposition from the pulp in step (i), the aqueous suspension preparedin step (ii), and other optional additives; and (iv) forming a paperproduct from said papermaking composition.

Thus, since the cellulose substrate for preparing the aqueous suspensionhas already been prepared for the purpose of making the papermakingcompositions, the step of forming the aqueous suspension does notnecessarily require a separate step of preparing the fibrous substratecomprising cellulose.

Paper products prepared using the aqueous suspension of the presentinvention have surprisingly been found to exhibit improved physical andmechanical properties whilst at the same time enabling the inorganicparticulate material to be incorporated at relatively high loadinglevels. Thus, improved papers can be prepared at relatively less cost.For example, paper products prepared from papermaking compositionscomprising the aqueous suspension of the present invention have beenfound to exhibit improved retention of the inorganic particulatematerial filler compared to paper products which do not contain anymicrofibrillated cellulose. Paper products prepared from papermakingcompositions comprising the aqueous suspension of the present inventionhave also been found to exhibit improved burst strength and tensilestrength. Further, the incorporation of the microfibrillated cellulosehas been found to reduce porosity compared to paper comprising the sameamount of filler but no microfibrillated cellulose. This is advantageoussince high filler loading levels are generally associated withrelatively high values of porosity and are detrimental to printability.

Paper Coating Composition and Coating Process

The aqueous suspension of the present invention can be used as a coatingcomposition without the addition of further additives. However,optionally, a small amount of thickener such as carboxymethyl celluloseor alkali-swellable acrylic thickeners or associated thickeners may beadded.

The coating composition according to the present invention may containone or more optional additional components, if desired. Such additionalcomponents, where present, are suitably selected from known additivesfor paper coating compositions.

Some of these optional additives may provide more than one function inthe coating composition. Examples of known classes of optional additivesare as follows:

(a) one or more additional pigments: the compositions described hereincan be used as sole pigments in the paper coating compositions, or maybe used in conjunction with one another or with other known pigments,such as, for example, calcium sulphate, satin white, and so-called‘plastic pigment’. When a mixture of pigments is used, the total pigmentsolids content is preferably present in the composition in an amount ofat least about 75 wt % of the total weight of the dry components of thecoating composition;(b) one or more binding or cobinding agents: for example, latex, whichmay, optionally, be carboxylated, including: a styrene-butadiene rubberlatex; an acrylic polymer latex; a polyvinyl acetate latex; or a styreneacrylic copolymer latex, starch derivatives, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, and proteins;(c) one or more cross linkers: for example, in levels of up to about 5%by weight; e.g., glyoxals, melamine formaldehyde resins, ammoniumzirconium carbonates; one or more dry or wet pick improvement additives:e.g., in levels up to about 2% by weight, e.g., melamine resin,polyethylene emulsions, urea formaldehyde, melamine formaldehyde,polyamide, calcium stearate, styrene maleic anhydride and others; one ormore dry or wet rub improvement and abrasion resistance additives: e.g.,in levels up to about 2% by weight, e.g., glyoxal based resins, oxidisedpolyethylenes, melamine resins, urea formaldehyde, melamineformaldehyde, polyethylene wax, calcium stearate and others; one or morewater resistance additives: e.g., in levels up to about 2% by weight,e.g., oxidised polyethylenes, ketone resin, anionic latex, polyurethane,SMA, glyoxal, melamine resin, urea formaldehyde, melamine formaldehyde,polyamide, glyoxals, stearates and other materials commerciallyavailable for this function;(d) one or more water retention aids: for example, in levels up to about2% by weight, e.g., sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, PVOH (polyvinyl alcohol), starches, proteins, polyacrylates,gums, alginates, polyacrylamide bentonite and other commerciallyavailable products sold for such applications;(e) one or more viscosity modifiers and/or thickeners: for example, inlevels up to about 2% by weight; e.g., acrylic associative thickeners,polyacrylates, emulsion copolymers, dicyanamide, triols, polyoxyethyleneether, urea, sulphated castor oil, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, CMC(carboxymethyl celluloses, for example sodium carboxymethyl cellulose),sodium alginate, xanthan gum, sodium silicate, acrylic acid copolymers,HMC (hydroxymethyl celluloses), HEC (hydroxyethyl celluloses) andothers;(f) one or more lubricity/calendering aids: for example, in levels up toabout 2% by weight, e.g., calcium stearate, ammonium stearate, zincstearate, wax emulsions, waxes, alkyl ketene dimer, glycols; one or moregloss-ink hold-out additives: e.g., in levels up to about 2% by weight,e.g., oxidised polyethylenes, polyethylene emulsions, waxes, casein,guar gum, CMC, HMC, calcium stearate, ammonium stearate, sodium alginateand others;(g) one or more dispersants: the dispersant is a chemical additivecapable, when present in a sufficient amount, of acting on the particlesof the particulate inorganic material to prevent or effectively restrictflocculation or agglomeration of the particles to a desired extent,according to normal processing requirements. The dispersant may bepresent in levels up to about 1% by weight, and includes, for example,polyelectrolytes such as polyacrylates and copolymers containingpolyacrylate species, especially polyacrylate salts (e.g., sodium andaluminium optionally with a group II condensed sodium phosphate,non-ionic surfactants, alkanolamine and other reagents commonly used forthis function. The dispersant may, for example, be selected fromconventional dispersant materials commonly used in the processing andgrinding of inorganic particulate materials. Such dispersants will bewell recognised by those skilled in this art. They are generallywater-soluble salts capable of supplying anionic species which in theireffective amounts can adsorb on the surface of the inorganic particlesand thereby inhibit aggregation of the particles. The unsolvated saltssuitably include alkali metal cations such as sodium. Solvation may insome cases be assisted by making the aqueous suspension slightlyalkaline. Examples of suitable dispersants include: water solublecondensed phosphates, e.g., polymetaphosphate salts [general form of thesodium salts: (NaPO₃)_(x)] such as tetrasodium metaphosphate orso-called “sodium hexametaphosphate” (Graham's salt); water-solublesalts of polysilicic acids; polyelectrolytes; salts of homopolymers orcopolymers of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, or salts of polymers ofother derivatives of acrylic acid, suitably having a weight averagemolecular mass of less than about 20,000. Sodium hexametaphosphate andsodium polyacrylate, the latter suitably having a weight averagemolecular mass in the range of about 1,500 to about 10,000, areespecially preferred;(h) one or more antifoamers and defoamers: for example, in levels up toabout 1% by weight, e.g., blends of surfactants, tributyl phosphate,fatty polyoxyethylene esters plus fatty alcohols, fatty acid soaps,silicone emulsions and other silicone containing compositions, waxes andinorganic particulates in mineral oil, blends of emulsified hydrocarbonsand other compounds sold commercially to carry out this function;(i) one or more optical brightening agents (OBA) and fluorescentwhitening agents (FWA): for example, in levels up to about 1% by weight,e.g., stilbene derivatives;(j) one or more dyes: for example, in levels up to about 0.5% by weight;(κ) one or more biocides/spoilage control agents: for example, in levelsup to about 1% by weight, e.g., oxidizing biocides such as chlorine gas,chlorine dioxide gas, sodium hypochlorite, sodium hypobromite, hydrogen,peroxide, peracetic oxide, ammonium bromide/sodium hypochlorite, ornon-oxidising biocides such as GLUT (Glutaraldehyde, CAS No 90045-36-6),ISO (CIT/MIT) (Isothiazolinone, CAS No 55956-84-9 & 96118-96-6), ISO(BIT/MIT) (Isothiazolinone), ISO (BIT) (Isothiazolinone, CAS No2634-33-5), DBNPA, BNPD (Bronopol), NaOPP, CARBAMATE, THIONE (Dazomet),EDDM—dimethanol (O-formal), HT—Triazine (N-formal), THPS—tetrakis(O-formal), TMAD—diurea (N-formal), metaborate, sodium dodecylbenenesulphonate, thiocyanate, organosulphur, sodium benzoate and othercompounds sold commercially for this function, e.g., the range ofbiocide polymers sold by Nalco;(l) one or more levelling and evening aids: for example, in levels up toabout 2% by weight, e.g., non-ionic polyol, polyethylene emulsions,fatty acid, esters and alcohol derivatives, alcohol/ethylene oxide,calcium stearate and other compounds sold commercially for thisfunction;(m) one or more grease and oil resistance additives: for example, inlevels up to about 2% by weight, e.g., oxidised polyethylenes, latex,SMA (styrene maleic anhydride), polyamide, waxes, alginate, protein,CMC, and HMC.

Any of the above additives and additive types may be used alone or inadmixture with each other and with other additives, if desired.

For all of the above additives, the percentages by weight quoted arebased on the dry weight of inorganic particulate material (100%) presentin the composition. Where the additive is present in a minimum amount,the minimum amount may be about 0.01% by weight based on the dry weightof pigment.

The coating process is carried out using standard techniques which arewell known to the skilled person. The coating process may also involvecalendaring or supercalendering the coated product.

Methods of coating paper and other sheet materials, and apparatus forperforming the methods, are widely published and well known. Such knownmethods and apparatus may conveniently be used for preparing coatedpaper. For example, there is a review of such methods published in Pulpand Paper International, May 1994, page 18 et seq. Sheets may be coatedon the sheet forming machine, i.e., “on-machine,” or “off-machine” on acoater or coating machine. Use of high solids compositions is desirablein the coating method because it leaves less water to evaporatesubsequently. However, as is well known in the art, the solids levelshould not be so high that high viscosity and leveling problems areintroduced. The methods of coating may be performed using an apparatuscomprising (i) an application for applying the coating composition tothe material to be coated and (ii) a metering device for ensuring that acorrect level of coating composition is applied. When an excess ofcoating composition is applied to the applicator, the metering device isdownstream of it. Alternatively, the correct amount of coatingcomposition may be applied to the applicator by the metering device,e.g., as a film press. At the points of coating application andmetering, the paper web support ranges from a backing roll, e.g., viaone or two applicators, to nothing (i.e., just tension). The time thecoating is in contact with the paper before the excess is finallyremoved is the dwell time—and this may be short, long or variable.

The coating is usually added by a coating head at a coating station.According to the quality desired, paper grades are uncoated,single-coated, double-coated and even triple-coated. When providing morethan one coat, the initial coat (precoat) may have a cheaper formulationand optionally coarser pigment in the coating composition. A coater thatis applying coating on each side of the paper will have two or fourcoating heads, depending on the number of coating layers applied on eachside. Most coating heads coat only one side at a time, but some rollcoaters (e.g., film presses, gate rolls, and size presses) coat bothsides in one pass.

Examples of known coaters which may be employed include, withoutlimitation, air knife coaters, blade coaters, rod coaters, bar coaters,multi-head coaters, roll coaters, roll or blade coaters, cast coaters,laboratory coaters, gravure coaters, kisscoaters, liquid applicationsystems, reverse roll coaters, curtain coaters, spray coaters andextrusion coaters.

Water may be added to the solids comprising the coating composition togive a concentration of solids which is preferably such that, when thecomposition is coated onto a sheet to a desired target coating weight,the composition has a rheology which is suitable to enable thecomposition to be coated with a pressure (i.e., a blade pressure) ofbetween 1 and 1.5 bar.

Calendering is a well known process in which paper smoothness and glossis improved and bulk is reduced by passing a coated paper sheet betweencalender nips or rollers one or more times. Usually, elastomer-coatedrolls are employed to give pressing of high solids compositions. Anelevated temperature may be applied. One or more (e.g., up to about 12,or sometimes higher) passes through the nips may be applied.

Coated paper products prepared in accordance with the present inventionand which contain optical brightening agent in the coating may exhibit abrightness as measured according to ISO Standard 11475 which is at least2 units greater, for example at least 3 units greater compared to acoated paper product which does not comprise microfibrillated cellulosewhich has been prepared in accordance with the present invention. Coatedpaper products prepared in accordance with the present invention mayexhibit a Parker Print Surf smoothness measured according to ISOstandard 8971-4 (1992) which is at least 0.5 μm smoother, for example atleast about 0.6 μm smoother, or at least about 0.7 μm smoother comparedto a coated paper product which does not comprise microfibrillatedcellulose which has been prepared in accordance with the presentinvention.

For the avoidance of doubt, the present application is directed to thesubject-matter described in the following numbered paragraphs:

1. A paper product comprising a paper coating composition including aco-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition, wherein the paper product has:i) a first tensile strength greater than a second tensile strength ofthe paper product comprising the paper coating composition devoid of theco-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition;ii) a first tear strength greater than a second tear strength of thepaper product comprising the paper coating composition devoid of theco-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition; and/oriii) a first gloss greater than a second gloss of the paper productcomprising the paper coating composition devoid of the co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition and/or iv) a first burst strength greater than a secondburst strength of the paper product comprising the paper coatingcomposition devoid of the co-processed microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material composition; and/orv) first sheet light scattering coefficient greater than a second sheetlight scattering coefficient of the paper product comprising the papercoating composition devoid of the co-processed microfibrillatedcellulose and inorganic particulate material composition; and/orvi) a first porosity less than a second porosity of the paper productcomprising the paper coating composition devoid of the co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition.2. The paper product of paragraph 1, wherein the paper coatingcomposition comprises a functional coating for liquid packaging, barriercoatings, or printed electronics applications.3. The paper product of paragraph 1 or 2, further comprising a secondcoating comprising a polymer, a metal, an aqueous composition, or acombination thereof.4. The paper product of paragraphs 1, 2 or 3, further having a firstmoisture vapour transmission rate (MVTR) greater than a second MVTR ofthe paper product comprising the paper coating composition devoid of theco-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition.5. The paper product of any of paragraphs 1-4, wherein the papercomprises from about 25 wt. % to about 35 wt. % of the co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition.

Microfibrillation in the Absence of Grindable Inorganic ParticulateMaterial

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method forpreparing an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose,the method comprising a step of microfibrillating a fibrous substratecomprising cellulose in an aqueous environment by grinding in thepresence of a grinding medium which is to be removed after thecompletion of grinding, wherein the grinding is performed in a towermill or a screened grinder, and wherein the grinding is carried out inthe absence of grindable inorganic particulate material.

A grindable inorganic particulate material is a material which would beground in the presence of the grinding medium.

The particulate grinding medium may be of a natural or a syntheticmaterial. The grinding medium may, for example, comprise balls, beads orpellets of any hard mineral, ceramic or metallic material. Suchmaterials may include, for example, alumina, zirconia, zirconiumsilicate, aluminium silicate or the mullite-rich material which isproduced by calcining kaolinitic clay at a temperature in the range offrom about 1300° C. to about 1800° C. For example, in some embodiments aCarbolite® grinding media is preferred. Alternatively, particles ofnatural sand of a suitable particle size may be used.

Generally, the type of and particle size of grinding medium to beselected for use in the invention may be dependent on the properties,such as, e.g., the particle size of, and the chemical composition of,the feed suspension of material to be ground. Preferably, theparticulate grinding medium comprises particles having an averagediameter in the range of from about 0.5 mm to about 6 mm. In oneembodiment, the particles have an average diameter of at least about 3mm.

The grinding medium may comprise particles having a specific gravity ofat least about 2.5. The grinding medium may comprise particles have aspecific gravity of at least about 3, or least about 4, or least about5, or at least about 6.

The grinding medium (or media) may be present in an amount up to about70% by volume of the charge. The grinding media may be present in amountof at least about 10% by volume of the charge, for example, at leastabout 20% by volume of the charge, or at least about 30% by volume ofthe charge, or at least about 40% by volume of the charge, or at leastabout 50% by volume of the charge, or at least about 60% by volume ofthe charge.

The fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may be microfibrillated toobtain microfibrillated cellulose having a d₅₀ ranging from about 5 toμm about 500 μm, as measured by laser light scattering. The fibroussubstrate comprising cellulose may be microfibrillated to obtainmicrofibrillated cellulose having a d₅₀ of equal to or less than about400 μm, for example equal to or less than about 300 μm, or equal to orless than about 200 μm, or equal to or less than about 150 μm, or equalto or less than about 125 μm, or equal to or less than about 100 μm, orequal to or less than about 90 μm, or equal to or less than about 80 μm,or equal to or less than about 70 μm, or equal to or less than about 60μm, or equal to or less than about 50 μm, or equal to or less than about40 μm, or equal to or less than about 30 μm, or equal to or less thanabout 20 μm, or equal to or less than about 10 μm.

The fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may be microfibrillated toobtain microfibrillated cellulose having a modal fibre particle sizeranging from about 0.1-500 μm, as measured by laser light scattering.The fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may be microfibrillated inthe presence to obtain microfibrillated cellulose having a modal fibreparticle size of at least about 0.5 μm, for example at least about 10μm, or at least about 50 μm, or at least about 100 μm, or at least about150 μm, or at least about 200 μm, or at least about 300 μm, or at leastabout 400 μm.

The fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may be microfibrillated toobtain microfibrillated cellulose having a fibre steepness equal to orgreater than about 10, as measured by Malvern (laser light scattering).Fibre steepness (i.e., the steepness of the particle size distributionof the fibres) is determined by the following formula:

Steepness=100×(d ₃₀ /d ₇₀)

The microfibrillated cellulose may have a fibre steepness equal to orless than about 100. The microfibrillated cellulose may have a fibresteepness equal to or less than about 75, or equal to or less than about50, or equal to or less than about 40, or equal to or less than about30. The microfibrillated cellulose may have a fibre steepness from about20 to about 50, or from about 25 to about 40, or from about 25 to about35, or from about 30 to about 40.

In one embodiment, the grinding vessel is a tower mill. The tower millmay comprise a quiescent zone above one or more grinding zones. Aquiescent zone is a region located towards the top of the interior of atower mill in which minimal or no grinding takes place and comprisesmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material. Thequiescent zone is a region in which particles of the grinding mediumsediment down into the one or more grinding zones of the tower mill.

The tower mill may comprise a classifier above one or more grindingzones. In an embodiment, the classifier is top mounted and locatedadjacent to a quiescent zone. The classifier may be a hydrocyclone.

The tower mill may comprise a screen above one or more grind zones. Inan embodiment, a screen is located adjacent to a quiescent zone and/or aclassifier. The screen may be sized to separate grinding media from theproduct aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and toenhance grinding media sedimentation.

In an embodiment, the grinding is performed under plug flow conditions.Under plug flow conditions the flow through the tower is such that thereis limited mixing of the grinding materials through the tower. Thismeans that at different points along the length of the tower mill theviscosity of the aqueous environment will vary as the fineness of themicrofibrillated cellulose increases. Thus, in effect, the grindingregion in the tower mill can be considered to comprise one or moregrinding zones which have a characteristic viscosity. A skilled personin the art will understand that there is no sharp boundary betweenadjacent grinding zones with respect to viscosity.

In an embodiment, water is added at the top of the mill proximate to thequiescent zone or the classifier or the screen above one or moregrinding zones to reduce the viscosity of the aqueous suspensioncomprising microfibrillated cellulose at those zones in the mill. Bydiluting the product microfibrillated cellulose at this point in themill it has been found that the prevention of grinding media carry overto the quiescent zone and/or the classifier and/or the screen isimproved. Further, the limited mixing through the tower allows forprocessing at higher solids lower down the tower and dilute at the topwith limited backflow of the dilution water back down the tower into theone or more grinding zones. Any suitable amount of water which iseffective to dilute the viscosity of the product aqueous suspensioncomprising microfibrillated cellulose may be added. The water may beadded continuously during the grinding process, or at regular intervals,or at irregular intervals.

In another embodiment, water may be added to one or more grinding zonesvia one or more water injection points positioned along the length ofthe tower mill, the or each water injection point being located at aposition which corresponds to the one or more grinding zones.Advantageously, the ability to add water at various points along thetower allows for further adjustment of the grinding conditions at any orall positions along the mill.

The tower mill may comprise a vertical impeller shaft equipped with aseries of impeller rotor disks throughout its length. The action of theimpeller rotor disks creates a series of discrete grinding zonesthroughout the mill.

In another embodiment, the grinding is performed in a screened grinder,preferably a stirred media detritor. The screened grinder may compriseone or more screen(s) having a nominal aperture size of at least about250 μm, for example, the one or more screens may have a nominal aperturesize of at least about 300 μm, or at least about 350 μm, or at leastabout 400 μm, or at least about 450 μm, or at least about 500 μm, or atleast about 550 μm, or at least about 600 μm, or at least about 650 μm,or at least about 700 μm, or at least about 750 μm, or at least about800 μm, or at least about 850 μm, or at or least about 900 μm, or atleast about 1000 μm.

The screen sizes noted immediately above are applicable to the towermill embodiments described above.

As noted above, the grinding is performed in the presence of a grindingmedium. In an embodiment, the grinding medium is a coarse mediacomprising particles having an average diameter in the range of fromabout 1 mm to about 6 mm, for example about 2 mm, or about 3 mm, orabout 4 mm, or about 5 mm.

In another embodiment, the grinding media has a specific gravity of atleast about 2.5, for example, at least about 3, or at least about 3.5,or at least about 4.0, or at least about 4.5, or least about 5.0, or atleast about 5.5, or at least about 6.0.

As described above, the grinding medium (or media) may be in an amountup to about 70% by volume of the charge. The grinding media may bepresent in amount of at least about 10% by volume of the charge, forexample, at least about 20% by volume of the charge, or at least about30% by volume of the charge, or at least about 40% by volume of thecharge, or at least about 50% by volume of the charge, or at least about60% by volume of the charge.

In one embodiment, the grinding medium is present in amount of about 50%by volume of the charge.

By ‘charge’ is meant the composition which is the feed fed to thegrinder vessel. The charge includes water, grinding media, the fibroussubstrate comprising cellulose and any other optional additives (otherthan as described herein).

The use of a relatively coarse and/or dense media has the advantage ofimproved (i.e., faster) sediment rates and reduced media carry overthrough the quiescent zone and/or classifier and/or screen(s).

A further advantage in using relatively coarse screens is that arelatively coarse or dense grinding media can be used in themicrofibrillating step. In addition, the use of relatively coarsescreens (i.e., having a nominal aperture of least about 250 um) allows arelatively high solids product to be processed and removed from thegrinder, which allows a relatively high solids feed (comprising fibroussubstrate comprising cellulose and inorganic particulate material) to beprocessed in an economically viable process. As discussed below, it hasbeen found that a feed having a high initial solids content is desirablein terms of energy sufficiency. Further, it has also been found thatproduct produced (at a given energy) at lower solids has a coarserparticle size distribution.

As discussed in the ‘Background’ section above, the present inventionseeks to address the problem of preparing microfibrillated celluloseeconomically on an industrial scale.

Thus, in accordance with one embodiment, the fibrous substratecomprising cellulose is present in the aqueous environment at an initialsolids content of at least about 1 wt %. The fibrous substratecomprising cellulose may be present in the aqueous environment at aninitial solids content of at least about 2 wt %, for example at leastabout 3 wt %, or at least about at least 4 wt %. Typically the initialsolids content will be no more than about 10 wt %.

In another embodiment, the grinding is performed in a cascade ofgrinding vessels, one or more of which may comprise one or more grindingzones. For example, the fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may beground in a cascade of two or more grinding vessels, for example, acascade of three or more grinding vessels, or a cascade of four or moregrinding vessels, or a cascade of five or more grinding vessels, or acascade of six or more grinding vessels, or a cascade of seven or moregrinding vessels, or a cascade of eight or more grinding vessels, or acascade of nine or more grinding vessels in series, or a cascadecomprising up to ten grinding vessels. The cascade of grinding vesselsmay be operatively inked in series or parallel or a combination ofseries and parallel. The output from and/or the input to one or more ofthe grinding vessels in the cascade may be subjected to one or morescreening steps and/or one or more classification steps.

The total energy expended in a microfibrillation process may beapportioned equally across each of the grinding vessels in the cascade.Alternatively, the energy input may vary between some or all of thegrinding vessels in the cascade.

A person skilled in the art will understand that the energy expended pervessel may vary between vessels in the cascade depending on the amountof fibrous substrate being microfibrillated in each vessel, andoptionally the speed of grind in each vessel, the duration of grind ineach vessel and the type of grinding media in each vessel. The grindingconditions may be varied in each vessel in the cascade in order tocontrol the particle size distribution of the microfibrillatedcellulose.

In an embodiment the grinding is performed in a closed circuit. Inanother embodiment, the grinding is performed in an open circuit.

As the suspension of material to be ground may be of a relatively highviscosity, a suitable dispersing agent may preferably be added to thesuspension prior to grinding. The dispersing agent may be, for example,a water soluble condensed phosphate, polysilicic acid or a salt thereof,or a polyelectrolyte, for example a water soluble salt of a poly(acrylicacid) or of a poly(methacrylic acid) having a number average molecularweight not greater than 80,000. The amount of the dispersing agent usedwould generally be in the range of from 0.1 to 2.0% by weight, based onthe weight of the dry inorganic particulate solid material. Thesuspension may suitably be ground at a temperature in the range of from4° C. to 100° C.

Other additives which may be included during the microfibrillation stepinclude: carboxymethyl cellulose, amphoteric carboxymethyl cellulose,oxidising agents, 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO), TEMPOderivatives, and wood degrading enzymes.

The pH of the suspension of material to be ground may be about 7 orgreater than about 7 (i.e., basic), for example, the pH of thesuspension may be about 8, or about 9, or about 10, or about 11. The pHof the suspension of material to be ground may be less than about 7(i.e., acidic), for example, the pH of the suspension may be about 6, orabout 5, or about 4, or about 3. The pH of the suspension of material tobe ground may be adjusted by addition of an appropriate amount of acidor base. Suitable bases included alkali metal hydroxides, such as, forexample NaOH. Other suitable bases are sodium carbonate and ammonia.Suitable acids included inorganic acids, such as hydrochloric andsulphuric acid, or organic acids. An exemplary acid is orthophosphoricacid.

The total energy input in a typical grinding process to obtain thedesired aqueous suspension composition may typically be between about100 and 1500 kWht⁻¹ based on the total dry weight of the inorganicparticulate filler. The total energy input may be less than about 1000kWht⁻¹, for example, less than about 800 kWht⁻¹, less than about 600kWht⁻¹, less than about 500 kWht⁻¹, less than about 400 kWht⁻¹, lessthan about 300 kWht⁻¹, or less than about 200 kWht⁻¹. As such, thepresent inventors have surprisingly found that a cellulose pulp can bemicrofibrillated at relatively low energy input when it is co-ground inthe presence of an inorganic particulate material. As will be apparent,the total energy input per tonne of dry fibre in the fibrous substratecomprising cellulose will be less than about 10,000 kWht⁻¹, for example,less than about 9000 kWht⁻¹, or less than about 8000 kWht⁻¹, or lessthan about 7000 kWht⁻¹, or less than about 6000 kWht⁻¹, or less thanabout 5000 kWht⁻¹, for example less than about 4000 kWht-1, less thanabout 3000 kWht⁻¹, less than about 2000 kWht⁻¹, less than about 1500kWht⁻¹, less than about 1200 kWht⁻¹, less than about 1000 kWht⁻¹, orless than about 800 kWht⁻¹. The total energy input varies depending onthe amount of dry fibre in the fibrous substrate being microfibrillated,and optionally the speed of grind and the duration of grind.

The following procedure may be used to characterise the particle sizedistributions of mixtures of minerals (GCC or kaolin) andmicrofibrillated cellulose pulp fibres.

Calcium Carbonate

A sample of co-ground slurry sufficient to give 3 g dry material isweighed into a beaker, diluted to 60 g with deionised water, and mixedwith 5 cm³ of a solution of sodium polyacrylate of 1.5 w/v % active.Further deionised water is added with stirring to a final slurry weightof 80 g.

Kaolin

A sample of co-ground slurry sufficient to give 5 g dry material isweighed into a beaker, diluted to 60 g with deionised water, and mixedwith 5 cm³ of a solution of 1.0 wt % sodium carbonate and 0.5 wt %sodium hexametaphosphate. Further deionised water is added with stirringto a final slurry weight of 80 g.

The slurry is then added in 1 cm³ aliquots to water in the samplepreparation unit attached to the Mastersizer S until the optimum levelof obscuration is displayed (normally 10-15%). The light scatteringanalysis procedure is then carried out. The instrument range selectedwas 300RF: 0.05-900, and the beam length set to 2.4 mm.

For co-ground samples containing calcium carbonate and fibre therefractive index for calcium carbonate (1.596) is used. For co-groundsamples of kaolin and fibre the R1 for kaolin (1.5295) is used.

The particle size distribution is calculated from Mie theory and givesthe output as a differential volume based distribution. The presence oftwo distinct peaks is interpreted as arising from the mineral (finerpeak) and fibre (coarser peak).

The finer mineral peak is fitted to the measured data points andsubtracted mathematically from the distribution to leave the fibre peak,which is converted to a cumulative distribution. Similarly, the fibrepeak is subtracted mathematically from the original distribution toleave the mineral peak, which is also converted to a cumulativedistribution. Both these cumulative curves may then be used to calculatethe mean particle size (d₅₀) and the steepness of the distribution(d₃₀/d₇₀×100). The differential curve may be used to find the modalparticle size for both the mineral and fibre fractions.

EXAMPLES

Unless otherwise specified, paper properties were measured in accordancewith the following methods:

-   -   Burst strength: Messemer Büchnel burst tester according to SCAN        P 24.    -   Tensile strength: Testometrics tensile tester according to SCAN        P 16.    -   Bendtsen porosity: Measured using a Bendtsen Model 5 porosity        tester in accordance with SCAN P21, SCAN P60, BS 4420 and Tappi        UM 535.    -   Bulk: This is the reciprocal of the apparent density as measured        according to SCAN P7.    -   ISO Brightness: The ISO brightness of handsheets was measured by        means of an Elrepho Datacolour 3300 brightness meter fitted with        a No. 8 filter (457 nm wavelength), according to ISO 2470: 1999        E.    -   Opacity: The opacity of a sample of paper is measured by means        of an Elrepho Datacolor 3300 spectro-photometer using a        wavelength appropriate to opacity measurement. The standard test        method is ISO 2471. First, a measurement of the percentage of        the incident light reflected is made with a stack of at least        ten sheets of paper over a black cavity (Rinfinity). The stack        of sheets is then replaced with a single sheet of paper, and a        second measurement of the percentage reflectance of the single        sheet on the black cover is made (R). The percentage opacity is        then calculated from the formula: Percentage        opacity=100×R/Rinfinity.    -   Tear strength: TAPPI method T 414 om-04 (Internal tearing        resistance of paper (Elmendorf-type method)).    -   Internal (z-direction) strength using a Scott bond tester        according to TAPPI T569.    -   Gloss: TAPPI method T 480 om-05 (Specular gloss of paper and        paperboard at 75 degrees) may be used.    -   Stiffness: The stiffness measurement method described in J. C.        Husband, L. F. Gate, N. Norouzi, and D. Blair, “The Influence of        kaolin Shape Factor on the Stiffness of Coated Papers”, TAPPI        Journal, June 2009, p. 12-17 (see in particular the section        entitled ‘Experimental Methods’); and J. C. Husband, J. S.        Preston, L. F. Gate, A. Storer, and P. Creaton, “The Influence        of Pigment Particle Shape on the In-Plane tensile Strength        Properties of Kaolin-based Coating Layers”, TAPPI Journal,        December 2006, p. 3-8 (see in particular the section entitled        ‘Experimental Methods’).    -   L&W Bending resistance (force required to bend a sheet through a        given angle in mN: measured according to SCAN-P29:84.    -   Cationic demand (or anionic charge): measured in Mutek PCD 03;        samples were titrated with Polydadmac (average molecular weight        of about 60000) with conc. 1 mEq/L (purchased from PTE AB/Selcuk        Dølen). The pulp mixture was filtered before the determination        but not the white water samples. Before sample testing a        calibration test is run to check the approximate consumption of        polyelectrolyte. In sample testing the polyelectrolytes are        dosed in batches (about 10 times) with 30 s intervals.    -   Sheet light scattering and absorption coefficients are measured        using reflectance data from the Elrepho instrument: R        inf=reflectance of stack of 10 sheets, Ro=reflectance of 1 sheet        over a black cup. These values and the substance (gm⁻²) of the        sheet are inputted into the Kubelka-Munk equations described in        “Paper Optics” by Nils Pauler, (published by Lorentzen and        Wettre, ISBN 91-971-765-6-7), p. 29-36.    -   First-pass retention is determined on the basis of the solids        measurement in the headbox (HD) and in the white water (WW) tray        and is calculated according to the following formula:        Retention=[(HBsolids−WWsolids)/HBsolids]×100    -   Ash retention is determined following the same principles as        first-pass retention, but based on the weight of the ash        component in the headbox (HB) and in the white water (WW) tray,        and is calculated according to the following formula: Ash        retention=[(HBash−WWash)/HBash]×100    -   Formation index (PTS) is determined using the DOMAS software        developed by PTS in accordance with the measurement method        described in section 10-1 of their handbook, DOMAS 2.4 User        Guide'

Example 1 Preparation of Co-Processed Filler

Composition 1

The starting materials for the grinding work consisted of a slurry ofpulp (Northern bleached kraft pine) and a ground calcium carbonate (GGC)filler, Intracarb 60™, comprising about 60% by volume of particles lessthan 2 μm. The pulp was blended in a Cellier mixer with the GCC to givea nominal 6% addition of pulp by weight. This suspension, which was at26.5% solids, was then fed into a 180 kW stirred media mill containingceramic grinding media (King's, 3 mm) at a medium volume concentrationof 50%. The mixture was ground until an energy input between 2000 and3000 kWht⁻¹ (expressed on pulp alone) had been expended and then thepulp/mineral mixture was separated from the media using a 1 mm screen.The product had a fibre content (by ashing) of 6.5 wt %, and a meanfibre size (D50) of 129 μm as measured using a Malvern Mastersizer S™.The fibre psd steepness (D30/D70×100) was 31.7.

Composition 2

The preparation of this filler followed the procedure outlined incomposition 1. The pulp was blended in a Cellier mixer with theIntracarb 60 to give a 20% addition of pulp. This suspension, which wasat 10-11% solids, was then fed into a 180 kW stirred media millcontaining ceramic grinding media (King's, 3 mm) at a medium volumeconcentration of 50%. The mixture was ground until an energy inputbetween 2500 and 4000 kWht⁻¹ (expressed on pulp alone) had been expendedand then the pulp/mineral mixture was separated from the media using a 1mm screen. The product had a fibre content (by ashing) of 19.7 wt %, anda mean fibre size (D50) of 79.7 μm as measured using a MalvernMastersizer S™. The fibre psd steepness (D30/D70×100) was 29.3. Beforeaddition to the paper machine the fibre content was reduced to 11.4 wt %by blending in an approximately 50/50 ratio with GCC (Intracarb 60™).

Example 2 Preparation of Basepaper

A blend of 80% by weight of eucalyptus pulp (Södra Tofte) refined to 27°SR at 4.5% solids and 20% by weight of softwood kraft (Sodra Mönsterås)pulp refined to 26° SR at 3.5% solids was prepared in pilot scaleequipment. This pulp blend was used to make a continuous reel of paperusing a pilot scale paper machine running at 800 m min⁻¹. The stock wasfed to the twin wire roll former via a 13 mm slot from a UMV10 headbox.The target grammage of the paper was 75 gm⁻² and fillers and loadinglevels are set out in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Uncoated basepaper properties before calendering Filler IC60control Comp. 1 Comp. 2 Loading, wt % 19.9 27.8 27.9 28.5 Grammage, 74.574.1 77.8 71.9 gm⁻² Tensile strength 34.0 26.5 26.9 29.4 Nm g⁻¹ Bendtsenporosity, 735 749 367 296 cm³ min⁻¹

A 2-component retention aid system was used consisting of a cationicpolyacrylamide, Percol 47NS™, (BASF) at a dose of 300-380 g t⁻¹ and amicroparticle bentonite, Hydrocol SH™ at 2 kg t⁻¹. The press sectionconsists of one double felted roll press running at a linear load of 10kN m⁻¹ followed by two Metso SymBelt presses with the shoe length of 250mm running at 600 and 800 kN m⁻¹ respectively. The rolls in the two shoepresses are inverted in relation to each other.

The paper was dried using heated cylinders.

Application of a Barrier Coating

A coating was applied to each of the basepapers. The formulationconsisted of 100 parts of a high shape factor kaolin (Barrisurf HX™) and100 parts of a styrene-butadiene copolymer latex (DL930™, Styron). Thesolids content was 50.1 wt % and the Brookfield 100 rpm viscosity was 80mPa·s. Coatings were applied by hand using a suitable wirewound rod togive a coat weight of 13-14 gm⁻². Drying was accomplished using a hotair dryer.

Example 3

The coated papers of Example 2 were then tested for moisture vapourtransmission rate (MVTR) over 2 days. The method was based on TAPPI T448but used silica gel as the dessicant and a relative humidity of 50%. Theamount of moisture transferred through the paper was measured over thefirst and second days and then averaged. Results are summarized in Table2.

The papers were also tested for oil resistance using an oil-basedsolution of Sudan Red IV in dibutyl phthalate using an IGT printingunit. A controlled volume of the fluid (5.8 μl) was applied to the paperusing a syringe and passed through the printing nip at a pressure of 5kgf and a speed of 0.5 m s⁻¹. The area covered by the fluid stain wasmeasured using image analysis and used as an indication of the abilityof the coating to resist penetration by oil-based fluids. Results aresummarized in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Coated basepaper properties Filler IC60 control Comp. 1 Comp. 2Loading, wt % 19.9 27.8 27.9 28.5 MVTR 44.1 40.4 40.4 36.3 gm⁻²/dayStain area, pixels 62592 70855 73749 75672

These results show that the paper containing co-ground filler at thehighest fibre level (composition 2) has a lower moisture vapourtransmission rate than the control.

Coated papers on both compositions 1 and 2 have higher stain areasindicating improved fluid resistance.

Example 4 Preparation of Co-Processed Filler

Composition 3

The starting materials for the grinding work consisted of a slurry ofpulp (Botnia pine) and a ground calcium carbonate filler, Intracarb 60™.The pulp was blended in a Cellier mixer with the Intracarb to give anominally 20 wt % addition of pulp. This suspension, which was at 10-11%solids, was then fed into a 180 kW stirred media mill containing ceramicgrinding media (King's, 3 mm) at a medium volume concentration of 50%.The mixture was ground until an energy input between 2500 and 4000kWht⁻¹ had been expended and then the pulp/mineral mixture was separatedfrom the media using a 1 mm screen. The product had a fibre content (byashing) of 19.7 wt %, and a mean fibre size (D50) of 79.7 μm as measuredusing a Malvern Mastersizer S™. The fibre psd steepness (D30/D70×100)was 29.3. Before addition to the paper machine (see Example 5 below) thefibre content was reduced by blending 9 parts by weight of thecomposition containing 19.7 wt % fibre with 23 parts of fresh Intracarb60 to give a fibre content, measured by ash, of 5.8 wt %.

Composition 4

A second filler composition was prepared by blending 50 parts by weightof composition 3, containing 19.7 wt % fibre, with 50 parts of freshIntracarb 60 to give a fibre content, measured by ash, of 11.4 wt %.

Example 5 Preparation of Paper

A blend of 80% by weight of eucalyptus pulp (Södra Tofte) refined to 27°SR at 4.5% solids and 20% by weight of softwood kraft (Sodra Mönsterås)pulp refined to 26° SR at 3.5% solids was prepared in pilot scaleequipment. This pulp blend was used to make a continuous reel of paperusing a pilot scale paper machine running at 800 m min⁻¹. The stock wasfed to the twin wire roll former via a 13 mm slot from a UMV10 headbox.The target grammage of the paper was 75 gm⁻² and fillers and loadinglevels are set out in Table 1. A 2-component retention aid system wasused consisting of a cationic polyacrylamide, Percol 47NS™, (BASF) at adose of 300-380 g t⁻¹ and a microparticle bentonite, Hydrocol SH™ at 2kg t⁻¹. The press section consists of one double felted roll pressrunning at a linear load of 10 kN m⁻¹ followed by two Metso SymBeltpresses with the shoe length of 250 mm running at 600 and 800 kN m⁻¹respectively. The rolls in the two shoe presses are inverted in relationto each other.

The paper was dried using heated cylinders.

Table 3 below lists the wet end measurements made during the papermakingstage. Paper properties are summarised in Table 4.

These data show that the co-ground fillers do not significantlycontribute to the anionic trash in the white water recirculation, and donot have a detrimental effect on total retention, whist improving theash retention. Finally, the formation of the paper is improved by theaddition of co-ground filler.

TABLE 3 Paper machine parameters IC60 Control Comp. 3 Comp. 4 Loading,wt % 19.9 27.8 27.4 28.5 Retention aid dose, g t⁻¹ 300 380 380 380Cationic demand of 0.0225 0.0195 0.0195 0.0210 white water, μeq g⁻¹Total 1st pass retention, 72.4 73.9 74.1 70.8 wt % Ash retention, wt %43.7 35.1 51.1 44.7 Formation index, PTS 842 800 636 668

TABLE 4 Paper properties IC60 control Comp. 3 Comp. 4 Loading, wt % 19.927.8 27.4 28.5 Grammage, 74.5 74.1 77.3 71.9 gm⁻² Burst strength 19.315.5 18.1 19.8 index, Nm g⁻¹ Tensile 34.0 26.5 27.4 29.4 strength index,Nm g⁻¹ Tear strength 4.12 3.41 3.83 4.12 index, Nm g⁻¹ Scott bond 136.6122.2 134.2 131.8 strength, Jm⁻² Sheet light 61.5 (F8) 68.0 (F8) 69.9(F8) 71.3 (F8) scattering  58.0 (F10)  63.8 (F10)  65.4 (F10)  66.2(F10) coefficient, m²kg⁻¹, filters 8 and 10 Sheet light 0.381 (F8) 0.385 (F8)  0.407 (F8)  0.419 (F8)  absorption 0.136 (F10) 0.143 (F10)0.160 (F10) 0.170 (F10) coefficient, m²kg⁻¹, filters 8 and 10

These results show that the papers containing co-ground filler(compositions 3 and 4) have an unusual combination of strengthproperties. Normally in pulp refining, if tensile strength increases,tear decreases. In these examples, both tensile and tear strengthincrease at the same time. Scott bond internal strength also improves.

Normally, if tensile strength increases, sheet light scatter decreases.In this instance, both increase.

Example 6 Preparation of Co-Ground Filler

The starting materials for the grinding work consisted of a slurry ofpulp (Botnia pine) and a ground calcium carbonate filler, Intracarb 60™.The pulp was blended in a Cellier mixer with the GCC to give a 20%addition of pulp. This suspension, which was at 8.8% solids, was thenfed into a 180 kW stirred media mill containing a ceramic grinding media(King's, 3 mm) at a media volume concentration of 50%. The mixture wasground until an energy input between 2500 kWht⁻¹ had been expended andthen the pulp/mineral mixture was separated from the media using a 1 mmscreen. The product had a fibre content (by ashing) of 19.0 wt %, and amean fibre size (d₅₀) of 79 μm as measured using a Malvern MastersizerS™. The fibre psd steepness (d₃₀/d₇₀×100) was 30.7.

Example 7 Preparation of Base Paper

A blend of 56% by weight of Fibria eucalyptus pulp refined to 33 SR (100kWh/t), 14% Botnia RMA 90 softwood kraft pulp beaten to 31 SR, and 30%by weight of coated woodfree broke containing 50% by weight of GCC(Royal Web Silk) was prepared at 3% solids in water using a pilot scalehydrapulper.

This pulp blend was used to make a continuous reel of paper using apilot scale Fourdrinier machine running at 12 m min⁻¹. The targetgrammage of the paper was 73-82 gm⁻² and fillers and loading levels areset out in Table 1. A cationic polymeric retention aid (Percol E622,BASF) was added at a dose of 200 g t⁻¹ (10% loading) or 300 g t⁻¹(15-20% loading). The paper was dried using heated cylinders.

The basepaper was calendered for 1 nip on machine using a steel rollcalendar at 20 kN pressure. The properties of the papers aftercalendering are summarised in Table 5.

These results show that the paper containing co-ground filler has higherburst and tensile strength than the control. The bending resistance isalso increased. The porosity however, is much reduced. The sheetscontaining the highest amount of coground filler have improved surfacesmoothness to those containing the control chalk.

TABLE 5 Uncoated woodfree basepaper properties after calendering ControlBase 2 Base 3 5% broke Base 1 5% broke 5% broke filler 5% broke fillerfiller filler 10% IC60* 10% Ex 6 15% Ex. 6 20% Ex 6 Loading, wt % 15.115.8 19.7 23.4 Grammage, gm⁻² 72.8 74.4 77.6 82.2 Geometric mean 33.335.0 31.4 33.8 tensile strength Nm g⁻¹ Burst strength 19.9 22.2 21.221.4 Nm g⁻¹ Geometric mean 3.22 3.41 4.15 4.2 bending force, L&W, mNBendtsen 1202 842 592 577 porosity, cm³ min⁻¹ Bendtsen 350 340 342 286smoothness cm³ min⁻¹ Wireside ISO Brightness 76.7 76.6 77.5 78.0Opacity, % 80.6 80.6 84.4 85.9 *Intracarb 60 ™

Example 8

A coating mix was prepared according to the following formulation:

-   -   85 parts ultrafine ground calcium carbonate (Carbital 95™)        comprising about 95% by volume of particles less than 2 μm    -   parts fine glossing kaolin (Hydragloss 90™ KaMin)    -   11 pph styrene-butadiene-acrylonitrile latex (DL920™, Styron)    -   0.3 pph CMC (Finnfix™, CP Kelco)    -   1 pph calcium stearate (Nopcote C104).

The pH was adjusted to 8.0 with NaOH and the solids to 65.5 wt %. Theviscosity, measured using a Brookfield viscometer at 100 rpm was 270mPa·s. This was applied to samples of the basepapers in Table 5 using alaboratory coater (Heli-Coater™) at a speed of 600 m min⁻¹. Coat weightsof between 7.0 and 12.0 gm⁻² was applied and adjusted by control ofblade displacement.

After conditioning at 23° C. and 50% RH, all the coated paper samplesproduced were then supercalendered for 10 nips using a Perkinslaboratory calendar. The pressure was 50 bar at a roll temperature of65° C. and a speed of 40 m min⁻¹.

The coated and calendered strips were then tested for smoothness (ParkerPrint Surf, ISO 8971-4), 75° TAPPI gloss (T480), and coverage using aburn-out procedure followed by image analysis of the grey level image.The procedure involves treating the paper with an alcoholic solution ofammonium chloride, followed by heating to 200° C. for 10 minutes to charthe basepaper fibres. The grey level of the paper is a measure of theability of the coating layer to cover the blackened fibres. Values forgrey level close to 0 indicate poor coverage (black) whilst highervalues indicate higher whiteness and therefore better coverage.

Results for a coat weight of 12 gm⁻² are summarised in Table 6.

Samples of the coated paper were also tested for their printingproperties. Papers were printed using an IGT Printing Unit at a speed of0.5 m s⁻¹ and a pressure of 500N. A magenta sheetfed offset ink wasused, applying a volume of 0.1 cm³. The gloss of the printed ink layerwas measured using a Hunterlab 75° glossmeter according to the TAPPIT480 standard. The ink density was measured using a Gretag Spectroeye™densitometer. The picking speed of the coating was measured with the IGTPrinting Unit in acceleration mode using a standard low viscosity oil.The printing speed was accelerated from 0-6 m s⁻¹ and the distance onthe coated strip when damage first occurred was measured and quoted as aprinting velocity. Higher values mean that the coating is stronger.

TABLE 6 Coated paper properties PPS Burn- smooth- out, Dry 75° nessaverage Print Print pick Loading, TAPPI μm, grey gloss, den- velocityBase wt % gloss 1000 Pa level 75° sity cm s⁻¹ Control 15.1 64 1.29 111.670 1.50 183 Base 1 15.8 63 1.21 114.6 70 1.51 194 Base 2 19.7 71 1.17140.9 77 1.53 191 Base 3 23.4 68 1.30 129.9 75 1.46 198

The results show that substituting a co-ground filler containingmicrofibrillated cellulose for a standard GCC filler gives improvementsin coated sheet quality when the paper is subsequently coated. Thecoated paper surface has higher gloss, better smoothness and the coatedlayer has better coverage according to the burnout test (higher greylevel values). Printing properties are also improved with the ink layerhaving a higher gloss. It was also found that the dry pick strengthincreased when filler containing microfibrillated cellulose was used inthe base.

Example 9 Preparation of Co-Ground Filler

The starting materials for the grinding work consisted of a slurry ofpulp (Botnia pine) and a ground calcium carbonate filler, Polcarb 60™,comprising about 60% by volume of particles less than 2 μm. The pulp wasblended in a Cellier mixer with the Polcarb to give a 20% addition ofpulp. This suspension, which was at 8.7% solids, was then fed into a 180kW stirred media mill containing a ceramic grinding media (King's, 3 mm)at a media volume concentration of 50%. The mixture was ground until anenergy input between 2500 kWht⁻¹ had been expended and then thepulp/mineral mixture was separated from the media using a 1 mm screen.The product had a fibre content (by ashing) of 20.7 wt %, and a meanfibre size (d₅₀) of 79 μm as measured using a Malvern Mastersizer S™.The fibre psd steepness (d₃₀/d₇₀×100) was 29.5.

Example 10 Preparation of Basepaper

A blend of 40% by weight of Pressurised groundwood pulp, 40% Botnia RMA90 softwood kraft pulp beaten to 31 SR and 20% by weight of coated LWCbroke containing 50/50 GCC/kaolin was prepared at 3% solids in waterusing a pilot scale hydrapulper.

This pulp blend was used to make a continuous reel of paper using apilot scale Fourdrinier machine running at 16 m min⁻¹. The targetgrammage of the paper was 38-43 gm⁻² and fillers and loading levels areset out in Table 7. A cationic polymeric retention aid (Percol 230L,BASF) was added at a dose of 200 g t⁻¹ (10% loading) or 300 g t⁻¹(15-20% loading). The paper was dried using heated cylinders.

The basepaper was calendered for 1 nip on machine using a steel rollcalendar at 20 kN pressure. The properties of the papers aftercalendering are summarised in Table 7.

These results show that the paper containing co-ground filler has higherburst and tensile strength than the control. The bending resistance isalso increased. The porosity however, is much reduced. The sheetscontaining the highest amount of co-ground filler have improved surfacesmoothness to those containing the control chalk.

TABLE 7 Uncoated basepaper properties after calendering Base 1 Base 2Base 3 Control 5% 5% broke 5% broke 5% broke filler broke filler fillerfiller 6% Polcarb 60 5% Ex 9 10% Ex. 9 14% Ex 9 Loading, wt % 11.2 10.115.4 18.8 Grammage, gm⁻² 38.2 38.2 42.0 43.0 Geometric 26.8 32.4 30.428.4 mean tensile strength Nm g⁻¹ Burst strength 14.8 17.4 16.0 15.4 Nmg⁻¹ Geo. mean 3.22 3.41 4.15 4.2 bending force, L&W, mN Bendtsen 1202842 592 577 porosity, cm³ min⁻¹ Bendtsen 350 340 342 286 smoothness cm³min⁻¹ Wireside ISO Brightness 76.7 76.6 77.5 78.0 Opacity, % 80.6 80.684.4 85.9

Example 11

A coating mix was prepared according to the following formulation:

-   -   60 parts fine ground calcium carbonate (Carbital 90™) comprising        about 90% by volume of particles less than 2 μm    -   40 parts fine Brazilian kaolin (Capim DG™)    -   8 pph styrene-butadiene-acrylonitrile latex (DL920™, Styron)    -   4 pph starch (Cargill C*film)    -   1 pph calcium stearate (Nopcote C104).

The pH was adjusted to 8.0 with NaOH and the solids to 67.5 wt %. Theviscosity, measured using a Brookfield viscometer at 100 rpm was 270mPa·s. This was applied to samples of the basepapers in Table 7 using alaboratory coater (Heli-Coater™) at a speed of 600 m min⁻¹. Coat weightsof between 7.0 and 12.0 gm⁻² was applied and adjusted by control ofblade displacement.

After conditioning at 23° C. and 50% RH, all the coated paper samplesproduced in Examples 3 and 4 were then supercalendered for 10 nips usinga Perkins laboratory calendar. The pressure was 50 bar at a rolltemperature of 65° C. and a speed of 40 m min⁻¹.

The coated and calendered strips were then tested for smoothness (ParkerPrint Surf, ISO 8971-4), 75° TAPPI gloss (T480), and coverage inaccordance with Example 8 above.

Samples of the coated paper were also tested for their printingproperties in accordance with Example 8 above.

Results interpolated to a coat weight of 10 gm⁻² are summarised in Table8.

TABLE 8 Coated paper properties 75° PPS Burn-out, Print Loading, TAPPIsmoothness average gloss, Base wt % gloss μm, 1000 Pa grey level 75°Control 11.2 48 1.36 142.3 62 Base 1 10.1 50 1.35 135.9 62 Base 2 15.454 1.17 161.0 66 Base 3 18.8 52 1.20 148.5 65

The results show that substituting a co-ground filler containingmicrofibrillated cellulose for a standard chalk filler givesimprovements in coated sheet quality when the paper is subsequentlycoated. The coated paper surface has higher gloss, better smoothness andthe coated layer has better coverage according to the burnout test(generally higher grey level values). Printing properties are alsoimproved with the ink layer having a higher gloss.

Example 11

400 g of unrefined bleached softwood kraft pulp (Botnia Pine RM90) wassoaked in 20 litres of water for 6 hours, then slushed in a mechanicalmixer. The stock so obtained was then poured into a laboratory Valleybeater and refined under load for 28 mins to obtain a sample of refinedpulp beaten to 525 cm³ Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF).

The pulp was then dewatered using a consistency tester (Testing MachinesInc.) to obtain a pad of wet pulp at between 23.0-24.0 wt % solids. Thiswas then used in co-grinding experiments as detailed below:

143 g of a slurry of Carbital 60HS™ (solids 77.7 wt %; about 60% byvolume of particles less than 2 μm) was weighed into a grinding pot.51.0 g of wet pulp was then added and mixed with the carbonate. 1485 gof King's 3 mm grinding media was then added followed by 423 g water togive a media volume concentration of 50%. The mixture was groundtogether at 1000 rpm until an energy input of 5,000-12,500 kWh/ton(expressed on fibre) had been expended. The product was separated fromthe media using a 600 μm BSS screen. The solids content of the resultingslurry was between 22.0-25.0 wt % and a Brookfield viscosity (100 rpm)of 1400-2930 mPa·s. The fibre content of the product was analysed byashing at 450° C. and the size of the mineral and pulp fractionsmeasured using a Malvern Mastersizer.

Further samples based on the same GCC and pulp were prepared usingsimilar conditions but at higher pulp addition levels. The sampleproperties are listed in Table 9.

TABLE 9 Conditions and properties of co-ground MFC - GCC slurriesBrookfield MFC D50, viscosity, wt % MFC Energy μm, Solids 100 rpm,Sample on mineral kWh/t MFC (Malvern) wt % mPa · s 1 11.1 7500 41.6 22.02930 2 10.9 10,000 16.5 23.9 1685 3 10.9 12,500 12.5 25.0 1405 4 17.25,000 43 14.9 1815 5 15.7 10,000 16.4 17.4 1030 6 15.3 12,500 12.3 18.4960 7 24.1 12,500 11.7 13.5 1055

Example 12

131 g of a slurry of Barrisurf HX™ (solids 53.0 wt %; shape fator=100)was weighed into a grinding pot. 33.0 g of wet pulp at 22.5 wt % solidswas then added and mixed with the kaolin. 1485 g of King's 3 mm grindingmedia was then added followed by 429 g water to give a media volumeconcentration of 50%. The mixture was ground together at 1000 rpm untilan energy input of between 5000 and 12,500 kWh/ton (expressed on fibre)had been expended. The products were separated from the media using a600 μm BSS screen. The solids content of the resulting slurries wasbetween 13.5-15.9 wt % and Brookfield viscosity (100 rpm) values between1940 and 2600 mPa·s. The fibre content of the products was analysed byashing at 450° C. and the size of the mineral and pulp fractionsmeasured using a Malvern Mastersizer.

Further samples based on the same kaolin and pulp were prepared usingsimilar conditions but at higher pulp addition levels. The sampleproperties are listed in Table 10.

TABLE 10 Conditions and properties of co-ground MFC - kaolin slurriesBrookfield wt % viscosity, MFC Energy MFC D50, μm, Solids 100 rpm,Sample on mineral kWh/t MFC (Malvern) wt % mPa · s 8 12.6 5000 52.2 13.52632 9 13.0 7500 34.3 14.3 2184 10 12.5 10,000 23 14.6 1940 11 13.412,500 18.2 15.9 2280 12 18.6 5000 42.5 14.1 4190 13 16.6 7500 24.8 16.24190 14 15.9 10,000 17 16.0 3156 15 16.4 12,500 13.6 16.1 2332 16 22.55000 41.9 14.3 6020 17 21.2 7500 28.2 14.4 5220 18 21.4 10,000 16.5 14.83740 19 20.0 12,500 11.9 18.1 4550 20 27.7 7500 31.4 13.6 4750 21 28.410,000 21.4 15.6 5050 22 32.3 12,500 13.6 17.4 6490

Example 13

Portions of the above slurries were applied onto a polyethyleneterephthalate film (Terinex Ltd.) using a 150 μm film thicknesswirewound rod (Sheen Instruments Ltd, Kingston, UK). The coatings weredried by the application of a hot air gun. The dried coatings wereremoved from the PET film and cut into barbell shapes 4 mm wide using acutter designed for rubber testing. The tensile properties of thecoatings were measured using a tensile tester (Testometric 350.,Rochdale, UK). The procedure is described in the article by J. C.Husband, J. S. Preston, L. F. Gate, A. Storer. and P. Creaton, “TheInfluence of Pigment Particle Shape on the In-Plane tensile StrengthProperties of Kaolin-based Coating Layers”, TAPPI Journal, December2006, p. 3-8 (see in particular the section entitled ‘ExperimentalMethods’). The tensile strength of the coated films was calculated fromthe load at break and the elastic modulus from the initial slope of thestress vs. strain curve. The procedure is described in the article by J.C. Husband, L. F. Gate, N. Norouzi, and D. Blair, “The Influence ofkaolin Shape Factor on the Stiffness of Coated Papers”, TAPPI Journal,June 2009, p. 12-17 (see in particular the section entitled‘Experimental Methods’).

The results for the mechanical properties are summarised in Tables 11and 12.

TABLE 11 mechanical properties of co-ground MFC - GCC coatings wt % MFCon Energy Tensile strength, Elastic modulus, Sample mineral kWh/t MFCMPa GPa 1 11.1 7500 0.78 0.44 2 10.9 10,000 0.90 0.68 3 10.9 12,500 0.740.65 4 17.2 5,000 0.68 0.35 5 15.7 10,000 1.33 0.75 6 15.3 12,500 1.360.83 7 24.1 12,500

These results show that a combination of MFC and high aspect ratiokaolin can produce strength and elastic modulus values. The elasticmodulus would translate directly into improved coated paper stiffness,for example.

TABLE 12 Conditions and properties of co-ground MFC - Barrisurf HXcoating wt % MFC Energy Tensile strength, Elastic modulus, Sample onmineral kWh/t MFC MPa GPa 8 12.6 5000 1.93 1.29 9 13.0 7500 2.96 1.68 1012.5 10,000 2.55 1.66 11 13.4 12,500 2.41 1.69 12 18.6 5000 2.25 1.45 1316.6 7500 3.27 2.14 14 15.9 10,000 4.31 2.64 15 16.4 12,500 2.98 2.16 1622.5 5000 2.91 2.11 17 21.2 7500 5.71 2.94 18 21.4 10,000 5.95 2.91 1920.0 12,500 3.26 2.53 20 27.7 7500 6.62 2.86 21 28.4 10,000 5.53 2.54 2232.3 12,500 5.33 2.67

1-26. (canceled)
 27. A paper product comprising a co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition, wherein the paper product has: i) a first tensile strengthgreater than a second tensile strength of the paper product devoid ofthe co-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition; ii) a first tear strength greater than a secondtear strength of the paper product devoid of the co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition; and/or iii) a first burst strength greater than a secondburst strength of the paper product devoid of the co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition; and/or iv) first sheet light scattering coefficient greaterthan a second sheet light scattering coefficient of the paper productdevoid of the co-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganicparticulate material composition; and/or v) a first porosity less than asecond porosity of the paper product devoid of the co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition; and/or vi) a first z-direction (internal bond) strengthgreater than a second z-direction (internal bond) strength of the paperproduct devoid of the co-processed microfibrillated cellulose andinorganic particulate material composition.
 28. The paper product ofclaim 27, further comprising a paper coating composition which comprisesa functional coating for liquid packaging, barrier coatings, or printedelectronics applications.
 29. The paper product of claim 27, furthercomprising a second coating comprising a polymer, a metal, an aqueouscomposition, or a combination thereof.
 30. The paper product of claim27, further having a first moisture vapour transmission rate (MVTR)lower than a second MVTR of the paper product devoid of the co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition.
 31. The paper product of claim 27, wherein the papercomprises from about 0.5 wt. % to about 50 wt. % of the co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition.
 32. The paper product of claim 27, wherein the papercomprises from about 25 wt. % to about 35 wt. % of the co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition.
 33. The paper product of claim 27, which is coated with apaper coating composition, where the coated paper product has a firstgloss greater than a second gloss of the coated paper product devoid ofthe co-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition.
 34. The paper product of claim 27, furthercomprising a coating composition which comprises a co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition.
 35. The paper product of claim 34, wherein the inorganicparticulate material composition of the coating composition is kaolin.36. The paper product of claim 27, further comprising one or morefunctional coatings on the paper product.
 37. The paper product of claim36, wherein the one or more functional coatings is a polymer, a metal,an aqueous composition, or a combination thereof.
 38. The paper productof claim 36, wherein the one or more functional coatings is a liquidbarrier layer.
 39. The paper product of claim 36, wherein the functionalcoating is a printed electronics layer.
 40. A papermaking compositioncomprising a co-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganicparticulate material composition, wherein the papermaking compositionhas: (i) a first cationic demand lower than a second cationic demand ofthe papermaking composition devoid of the co-processed microfibrillatedcellulose and inorganic particulate material composition; and/or (ii) afirst, first-pass retention greater than a second, first-pass retentionof the papermaking composition devoid of the co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition; and/or (iii) a first ash retention greater than a secondash retention of the papermaking composition devoid of the co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition.
 41. A papermaking composition comprising a co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition, wherein the papermaking composition is substantially devoidof retention aids.
 42. A paper product comprising a co-processedmicrofibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materialcomposition, wherein the paper product has a first formation index lowerthan a second formation index of the paper product devoid of theco-processed microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulatematerial composition.
 43. The paper product of claim 27, wherein theinorganic particulate material comprises an alkaline earth metalcarbonate or sulphate, such as calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate,dolomite, gypsum, a hydrous kandite clay such as kaolin, halloysite orball clay, an anhydrous (calcined) kandite clay such as metakaolin orfully calcined kaolin, talc, mica, huntite, hydromagnesite, groundglass, perlite or diatomaceous earth, or combinations thereof.
 44. Thepaper product of claim 27, wherein the microfibrillated cellulose has ad₅₀ ranging from about 25 μm to about 250 μm, more preferably from about30 μm to about 150 μm, even more preferably from about 50 μm to about140 μm, still more preferably from about 70 μm to about 130 μm, and mostpreferably from about 50 μm to about 120 μm.
 45. The paper product ofclaim 27, wherein the microfibrillated cellulose has a monomodalparticle size distribution.
 46. The paper product of claim 27, whereinthe microfibrillated cellulose has a multimodal particle sizedistribution.